SOAP: is an acronym standing for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Doing SOAP usually takes around 30-40 minutes a day. You can read the Old Testament and New Testament readings for the day, but if time is a factor try just reading the New Testament reading first, and if you have more time move on to the Old Testament reading. Don’t worry about missing a day/s, it happens. If you do miss a day just jump in on today’s date in order to stay on the same page as everyone else.

Scripture: Take time to read, reflect, and meditate on the scripture.

• Take time reading the passage allowing the passage to read you as you read it.

• Choose one verse from the reading that particularly spoke to you.

• And write the verse down in the “Scripture” section of your journal.

Observation: Below are some guiding questions to consider as you think through and write out your observation of the verse/passage you chose.

• What stands out in this passage to you?

• What were the points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you read and reflected on this passage?

• What does this passage say about Jesus/God?

• What does this passage say about being a disciple of Jesus, or being part of the community of God?

Application: Below are some guiding questions to consider as you think through and write out how this verse passage can be applied or shapes you.

• How does this verse/passage intersect, or connect, with your own story?

• In light of what this verse/passage, or in light of what you read and reflected on what are some action steps you can take to move forward?

Prayer: Write out a short prayer in light of the everything you just read and reflected on.