S.O.A.P.ing is a tool many have found helpful in focusing their daily time with God. The goal is not to know more about God but to develop a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus.

S (Scripture) – Read a passage from the Bible. Take time as you read and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse or phrase that seemed to stand out and write it down.

O (Observation) — What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? (It’s important to choose a Bible translation that you can understand.) Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words.

A (Application) — Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write it down.

P (Prayer) — This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Since prayer is a two way conversation, be sure to listen to what God has to say. Now, write it out.

Example:

S = Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

O = We are not supposed to be going along with culture but becoming more and more like the Christ we follow, so that we can understand what God’s will is for us.

A = Too often I don’t realize the impact of what I read, watch, or hear has on me. S.O.A.P.ing God’s Word helps to cleanse my mind and to understand what God expects from me.  I need to get back into the habit of S.O.A.P.ing each day.

P = Forgive me, Lord, for being so lazy about how I engage your Word. I want to be a reflection of your Son, not the world, which means taking time each day to abide with you!