I first learned about the SOAP method of Bible study when I began attending my church back in 2015. The first Bible study I joined was with our pastor’s wife. At the end of our first week together, she took a few minutes to explain this method to the women in our group.
Soon after that first Bible study, I found out that I was pregnant with our third child.
I was tired. A LOT! Not to mention the fact that we just moved to a new state, new church, new community…and we were in the process of buying and building our new home.
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So, this was a time that I needed some Bible study methods or devotions that didn’t demand as much time. The SOAP method of Bible Study was such a blessing during this season.
- What is the SOAP method of Bible study?
- How do you use the SOAP Bible study method?
Let’s take a look at the answers to some of these questions as we consider using the SOAP Bible study method.
What is the SOAP Method of Bible Study?
You may have heard of the SOAP method. This approach has become fairly common. The SOAP method of Bible study is a great way to make a meaningful connection with God and study the Bible daily.
SOAP is an acronym for Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer.
My pastor’s wife adds an extra component that I think is crucial for making that meaningful connection with the Lord.
It’s Praise!
How to Use the SOAP Bible Study Method
I suggest getting a spiral notebook or a binder with loose-lined paper.
Keep it close to your Bible or somewhere where you can access it easily throughout your day.
Write the letters S.O.A.P down the margin of your page. Read a chapter or a few verses in the Bible. Then, choose one or two verses to focus on.
Watch the Video Tutorial on the SOAP Method of Bible Study
S is for Scripture
S is for Scripture. Simply write down the reference of your focused scripture. I will sometimes write the verse out as it is written. Writing it out helps me to memorize the verse and helps to keep my mind fixed on the scripture throughout my day.
O is for Observation
O is for Observation. In this step, you are asking the question “What does it say?”. For this section write out the verse in your own words. Consider the context by reading a few verses that come before and after.
A is for Application
A is for Application. This step is where you ask yourself “What does it mean to me?”. How would the Lord have you apply this passage to your life?
Application Questions to Consider when using the Praise SOAP Bible Study Method:
- Are there any promises to cling to?
- Is there any sin to confess?
- Any commands or warnings to follow?
- Does the text reveal anything about the character or nature of God?
P is for Pray
This first P is for Pray. How can you use this verse to form a prayer for yourself or for another? Praying scripture is a powerful way to pray!
P is for Praise
Last, but certainly not least, the second P is for Praise! This is a component I like to add the the SOAP method of Bible study because I believe that praise is such a vital part of our personal quiet time with God. What truth does this verse reveal that you can praise the Lord for? Sometimes you may need to ponder more deeply. I believe that every passage of scripture has the ability to cause praise to rise in us.
Free Praise SOAP Bible Study Method PDF
Before you go, make sure to grab this free printable SOAP Bible study journal page. This is a fun way to write out your thoughts, prayers, and praises. Fill them out each day and keep them tucked away somewhere safe so you can pull them out and look at them later. It’s awesome to look back to see how the Lord has answered your prayers and worked in your life. Add these pages to a binder to create your own SOAP Bible study journal.
SOAP Bible Study Example
- Scripture – Philippians 1:12-13“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” NASB
- Observation – The result of Paul’s imprisonment was the advancement of the gospel to those within the palace guard and others throughout the region.
- Application – God can use the trials and tribulations I go through to advance the gospel and His kingdom.
- Prayer – Lord, would you please help my friend to endure this hard circumstance she is facing. Help her to know that you are with her and can use this trial for her good and the good of others. Use this time in her life to glorify Yourself.
- Praise – God I am so thankful that you don’t waste my trials! You are able to work ALL THINGS together for Your good purposes.
Get Your Free Printable Reading Plan
These monthly Bible reading plans are great for helping you do your own SOAP devotional. Download yours for free.
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Thank you for this simple explanation of the SOAP method of Bible study. It seems like a great way to meditate on one verse at a time.
Absolutely! It is a great way to meditate verse by verse. Thanks for stopping by! :)
This is amazing. I subconsciously use this, but will be writing this acronym everywhere. Especially at work. Thanks for sharing!
What a great idea! I should do something similar in my home. Posting the acronym somewhere is a great reminder to turn our eyes back to Him!
Thank you for this new perspective on Bible study. Using acronyms to help keep us on track in our study can be very helpful.
Thanks, Wendy! And I agree! Acronyms can be so helpful!
A few years back, I was invited to join some ladies in Bible Study from another church here. We studied Bethel’s Havilah Cunnington’s “Prophetic Voices”. The ladies from this group talked alot about the SOAP method of studying. It was so cool to read this post this morning. Blessings … ❤
That’s awesome, Donna! I think it’s such a popular method because it’s such a simple way to make that meaningful connection – and it includes Bible study, prayer, and praise!
Thank you for sharing your perspective and experience with this Bible study method! It was so refreshing to hear a new voice on what I would consider to be a “tried and true” Bible study method.
Thanks, Adriana! I agree this method is great because it is tried and true!
Thank you for sharing this. I heard about the SOAP method in passing at my last bible study, but I was unable to finish the bible study and I never heard exactly what the SOAP method was. I really like the aspect of praise that was added to the end. Blessings, Joni
Yes! I love the praise aspect too! This method is so great because it includes three key elements to a meaningful quiet time – Bible study, prayer, and praise! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! :)
I’d never heard of the SOAPP bible method- thank you for explaining it so well and providing an example / this a very useful tool to access and connect with Gods word
Thanks so much! And yes! Such a great way to connect with God’s word.
I love this post; the SOAP method as a way to study the bible is fantastic. He is worthy of all our praise! Thank you for this acrostic. I will remember it and use it. God bless you!
Amen!! He is worthy! So glad to hear that this will be helpful to you :)
The soap Bible method is quite popular, I like the added component of praise as well.
This is a great tool to help study the bible. I’ve never used the soap method before.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am familiar with the tedious work of the Inductive Bible Study. This method is simple. I am going to start using this for my devotionals I write going forward. What a wonderful insight.
This is really COOL!!! Thank you for this suggestion – the Soap method. I can’t wait to try this out.
I have heard about the SOAP method before! But I love how you broke it down so that it’s so easy to understand!
I love the simplicity of this Praise SOAP method of Bible Study! Definitely saving this. It’s perfect for those who want to know God’s Word but can’t dedicate a ton of time to it. Thanks, Megan!
This is a great method for scripture reading. I love it. Thank you for sharing.
Love this! Whenever my small group is on hiatus, like right now in the summer, I struggle with the spiritual discipline routinely of reading the Word. This method will definitely help! Much appreciated!
I learned about the SOAP method years ago. It is a helpful way to study scripture.
I love this method! Been using it since I was little! The praise addition is a nice touch.