Here is how it works!

"SOAP" is an acronym for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. No, we did not come up with this — it's been around for a good while. It is, however, an effective way to engage and reflect on a verse or passage of Scripture and begin to see how it may be applied in our lives. After all, each of us want to allow God to "clean up" our lives, right?

Each week, I will be posting a verse or passage that in many ways will related to that week's teaching or message series. Should you choose to participate, you will then take that Scripture verse/passage and take a closer look, using the following pattern of journaling.

S.O.A.P.

• S — Scripture — first you will take the short passage or verse and write it out, word for word in a journal or notebook. Feel free to use the translation you are most comfortable with. I may use different translations but will most often present the passage/verse in the New Living Translation. Your purpose for writing out the text is to notice each word and slow down in the manner you are reading the verse or passage.
  
  
• O — Observation — second, you will read the text and begin to write down any observations about that verse. Don't say, "I don't know enough about the bible to write anything down!" Sorry, that is not an excuse, nor does your exposure or knowledge of the Bible have any effect on whether God is God or not. So no worries. Just write down what comes to mind — things you notice, linked memories, random thoughts, curious questions, etc. You may even be reminded about other Bible verses and stories, so do not dismiss that — write it down! Just start writing and realize that God is at work in that by way of the Holy Spirit. Don't worry about incomplete sentences or fragmented thoughts. You are not being graded on this!!! Just write what comes to mind. And if nothing comes to mind, just start writing anyway. You will be surprised what happens.
  
  
• A — Application — third, based on what you have read, and what you have written, start writing down how this (through your reading and/or journaling) might be applied today in your life in relevant ways. You may start this section by posing a question to yourself like, "How can I apply or live this out in my life today?" Be honest!!! If you are not open and honest, what is the point? Simply write out how your understanding in that moment might be applied in your life today. This section is likely to be much shorter than your "observation" section, but not always. It is amazing how God works at times to help us see how His Word is applicable for our lives in any given moment or situation.
  
  
• P — Prayer — finally, write out a prayer to God — an open and honest prayer, based on your journaling (scripture, observation, and application). You do not have to be formal in your language. Just have a conversation with God, based on what you experienced in this process of journaling. After you have written out this prayer, take time to read it and pray it.

SOAP is an effective way to reflect on scripture as a component to journaling. It is a powerful way to experience the relevance and transforming power of God's Word for our lives today.

To view a personal example of how I use SOAP in this manner, click here.

I encourage you to "get on your SOAP box" and allow God to transform you from the inside-out! If you have any questions, email me at bill@faithwalkumc.org. I would love to hear from you!

To return to and select from the SOAP weekly options, click here.

Thanks!

Bill Gibson
lead pastor, FaithWalk