I remember the first time I used the SOAP method.
I signed up to lead an online Bible study for a group of women through Good Morning Girls. I didn't even know what a Bible study "method" was, I wasn't familiar with Good Morning Girls, I just knew I needed...something.
And what better way to stay accountable than to lead it, right?
It felt awkward at first—I wasn’t used to writing things out, making my own observations, figuring out for myself how to apply the passage, or praying the Scripture back to God.
But let me tell you: the fruit of that one tiny shift? Incredible.
Before SOAP, I was a check-the-box girl - if even that. I’d read a devotional, briefly skim the one verse included, take in what the author had to say, and then check off the box, satisfied that I'd done my duty.
My heart wasn’t changing, my responses weren’t growing in wisdom, and my marriage wasn’t being shaped by the Word I claimed to believe (but honestly - I didn't really even know it).
After SOAP, everything slowed down. I was no longer just reading—I was studying. Observing. Listening. Applying.
I started seeing where I needed to be more discerning with my husband (how to respect, but also how not enable or submit to abuse - this was all during my second marriage, so this is no reflection on my sweet husband that I'm married to now). I saw where I needed to speak more gently to my kids. Where my trust in the Lord was shaky and needed to grow.
SOAP helped me to see more of God in the Bible.
Here’s how it looks:
- S - Scripture: Write out the verse or passage, or summarize it.
- O - Observation: What stands out? Who is this about? What is the tone, the promise, the command? What sins should I avoid, what instructions should I obey? What truth is this revealing about man, Christ, God, or something else?
- A - Application: How can I apply this to my life as a wife, mom, or daughter of God?
- P - Prayer: Talk to God about what you’ve learned and ask Him to help you live it out.
SOAP was just the beginning; I've since discovered so many other study methods like Verse Mapping, the Bible Digest method, the 7 Lenses, SPECK, and more.
Currently I'm taking a course in Phrasing: breaking down a passage into each individual phrase, labeling the types of phrases and seeing how they all work together to relay the main message the author intended to convey. It's fascinating and helps me see how much more I will always have to learn about God's Word!
This week, try SOAP with a passage like Titus 2:3-5 or Ephesians 1 Peter 3:1-7.
And I do mean take a WEEK. Don't try to do it all in one sitting. Remember, the goal isn't to just check the box and be done for the day. The goal is to learn more about God and be transformed by His Word.
Take 10 minutes a day, or longer if you have it, and just see what happens as you intentionally focus on studying Scripture daily.
I promise—it’s a game-changer.
And when you find that you love it and you're ready to dig into another method, I'll be here for you!
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