Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

This is one method of studying the Bible that can help you go deeper in your understanding. Madison is using SOAP daily with a Bible reading plan from the Life Journal. You can pick up a copy of the Life Journal in the Soul Pantry bookstore at Madison At the Square. Have you cleaned up with SOAP today? Here's how it works.

S - Scripture
Study the Scripture and examine what it says. What are the main facts? What is the situation? What was said or done that you notice?

O - Observation
Observe what is going on in this passage. Is there a sin to confess? Is there a promise to claim? Is there an attitude that is wrong? Is there a command to obey? Is there an example to follow or not to follow? Is there a warning? Is there truth to learn?

A - Application
Ask yourself what these observations mean for your life and then apply it in the way you live. Listen to the Holy Spirit and what he wants you to do as a result of this Scripture passage. Can you think of a current situation in your life, in your family, at home, at school, at work, or at church where God is asking you to apply this passage? Ask the question, "Based on what I learned from this passage, how does God want me to apply this to my life?" Make your answer specific. Make sure your statement is personal. For example, "Because I learned ______________, today I will ______________."

P - Prayer
Pray it back to God. Ask God to help you make this passage come alive in your life. Write a prayer in your journal and pray it out loud to God all day.