S.O.A.P.

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Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 NLT

Now that you are learning to pray, let’s also learn to listen. The written Word and prayer are meant to fit together like a hand in a glove. We need both the written Word and conversational prayer to make the best decisions. This is how we share life with God who is our Friend.

A practical way to relate to God through His Word is to use the acrostic S.O.A.P. Record your thoughts in a journal so you can keep them as a ready reference.

S. Scripture: Ask what does it say?
Read a chapter of the Bible, or even a paragraph or verse, slowly so you can comprehend it. Let it sink in. Roll it over several times in your mind. Read it out loud to give it priority in your
thoughts. Process it until it makes sense to you.

O. Observation: Ask what does it mean?
Notice the details, like names, places, and notable events. Put them in the context of the message. Take the time to form a frame of reference in order to better understand the meaning. You can find many Bible helps online including commentaries, Bible dictionaries, maps, concordances, and more.

A. Application: Ask how should I apply this?
What are the obvious applications? Think general then think specific. Write down the principals. Ask God what applications are specific to you. Write down some ways you can begin to put this into practice in your everyday life.
P. Prayer Ask God how do I personalize this?
Form the thoughts you’ve collected into a prayer with specific next steps. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you specifically. Pray for guidance so you can put the Word into practice in your life.

As you learn to pray and listen you’ll find your love for God growing naturally and continually.

Gary Kendall
www.livingsent.net/devotionals
Week 3, S.O.A.P. Day 5, Devo 15