SOAP Scripture Reading Plan
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Bible
- A pen/pencil
- Your daily planner/Calendar
- A Bible reading plan – There are many plans available using You Version or you can just put a bookmark in your Bible as you read along
- A “SOAP Journal” (Can be any notebook, spiral bound or otherwise, with blank pages for writing… could even be done on the computer!)
Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It’s also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the ‘gems’ that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons!
Here’s how it works:
Scripture – Read the Scripture you have chosen for that day. If you are unsure how to start, You Version has many wonderful options. As you are reading through your Scripture, begin to underline or highlight verses that stick out, or really speak to you. Use a Bible that you feel comfortable marking up and making notes in. Don’t worry about summarizing anything at this point. Just let your spirit be open to God speaking to you through His Word. When you are finished reading your section of Scripture, skim back over it, and note the sections that you’ve underlined. What stands out to you the most? Where do you feel God really opened your eyes today? Whittle that down to a phrase or a verse or two of Scripture. In your Soap Journal, turn to a fresh page and put down today’s date. Under that write an “S” and write out the verse or portion of Scripture that spoke to you.Then make a note of the Biblical Reference.
Observation – Write down an “O” and then write things that you observed during your reading or study of today’s text. This can be as extensive as you want it to be. Perhaps you are accustomed to following cross-references in Scripture, or looking up historical information and the broader, situational context, or even just recognizing what’s happening in the preceding and following chapters and verses (immediate context) of the current book of the Bible you’re reading.
Application – Now write an “A” and then write how God is speaking to you personally through this verse. What is He saying that you need to hear? What is He saying that challenges you, or perhaps comforts or encourages you? This section in your journal simply helps you apply the verses of Scripture to your life and your current situation.