The SOAP Bible Study Method: A Simple Guide with an Example

Many people want to keep a devotional journal but stall on the first line. What should I write, and how much is enough? The SOAP method gives you four small steps, and none of them needs to be long.

What SOAP stands for

1. Scripture: write out the verse or short passage you read today.
2. Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, and to whom?
3. Application: what does it mean for my life today?
4. Prayer: respond to God in a line or two.

The method is often credited to pastor Wayne Cordeiro, and it is used by many churches and small groups. You do not have to fill all four parts every day. Some days a verse and one sentence is a whole entry.

A SOAP example

Scripture: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, KJV)

Observation: David pictures God as a shepherd and himself as a sheep. Sheep do not find pasture on their own.

Application: I have been worrying about work all week, as if everything depends on me.

Prayer: Lord, today I hand tomorrow over to you.

Why write the S by hand

The first step is the one most people rush. Writing the verse out word by word, instead of copying and pasting it, makes you notice words you would normally skim, and it is often where the observation begins.

Ten questions for when you get stuck

1. Which word in this passage made me stop?
2. If I could remember only one line, which would it be?
3. What does this passage show me about who God is?
4. Is there a command, a promise or a warning here?
5. How am I feeling today, and does this passage speak to it?
6. Is there something I want to give thanks for?
7. Is there something I need to let go of?
8. Who do I want to pray for?
9. What is one small thing I could do tomorrow?
10. Where did my hand slow down as I wrote?

Paper or app

You can print a free SOAP devotional page with a space for each step. If you would rather write on your phone or iPad, Penned Grace lets you handwrite the verse, then offers a guiding question and a place for a short reflection. Reflections never appear in anything you share.