How To Do a SOAP Devotional

By Jacob Coyne

Greetings Bible Collective Community!

In our journey to encourage Bible reading and enjoyment, one of the most impactful methods I've found is the SOAP devotional format. SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. It's a simple yet profound way to engage with God's Word, making it more accessible and relevant to our daily lives. In this newsletter, we’ll explore the importance of SOAP devotions and guide you through how to do them effectively.. But first, let me start with a personal story.

Why I SOAP

When I gave my life to Jesus at age 16, I quickly began attending a youth ministry in Washington State called Puyallup Foursquare. My youth pastor, Chad Veach noticed a fire for God in both my heart and my brother Jonah, so he took us under his wing. We meet every Thursday morning before school at a Starbucks to do devotions together. This was where I was first introduced to SOAP Bible reading. We would spend 20 minutes reading the word, and then 20 minutes sharing our SOAPs. I personally looked forward to Thursday mornings with Chad more than I did Sunday nights to hear him preach. On those Thursdays, Chad taught me the importance of reading and applying Scripture to my everyday life, and the love I have for daily Bible reading hasn’t left me after all these years.

Why SOAP Devotions Matter

SOAP devotions help us to:

1. Deepen Our Understanding: By focusing on a specific passage, we can dig deeper into the meaning and context, enhancing our comprehension.

2. Apply Scripture to Our Lives: The SOAP method encourages us to think about how the Bible applies to our personal experiences and challenges.

3. Build a Habit of Reflection and Prayer: Regularly practicing SOAP devotions fosters a habit of reflecting on God's Word and communicating with Him through prayer.

4. Stay Focused: This structured approach helps us stay focused and organized during our devotional time, preventing distractions and enhancing spiritual growth.

How to Do a SOAP Devotion

1. Scripture

Choose a passage from the Bible. It could be a verse, a few verses, or even a chapter that stands out to you or aligns with your current study plan.

Example: John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

2. Observation

Write down what you observe in the scripture. What is happening in the passage? Who is speaking, and to whom? Are there any key words or phrases that stand out?

Example: In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, offering them peace and reassurance. He emphasizes that His peace is different from what the world offers and encourages them not to be troubled or afraid.

3. Application

Consider how this scripture applies to your life. What is God saying to you through this passage? How can you apply its lessons to your current situation or challenges?

Example: Jesus' promise of peace is incredibly comforting during times of stress and uncertainty. I need to remember to rely on His peace rather than getting caught up in the anxiety that the world often brings. This week, I will meditate on this verse whenever I feel anxious and trust in Jesus’ peace.

4. Prayer

Write a prayer based on the scripture and your observations. Ask God to help you apply the lessons learned and to support you in your journey.

Example: Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect peace. Help me to remember that Your peace is always available to me, even in the midst of chaos. Remind me to turn to You when I feel anxious and to trust in Your promise. Please guide me and calm my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thoughts

SOAP devotions are a powerful tool for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with God through His Word. By consistently practicing this method, you’ll find yourself growing spiritually and gaining a clearer understanding of the Bible's teachings. We encourage you to incorporate SOAP devotions into your daily routine and experience the transformative power of engaging with Scripture in a meaningful way.

Thank you for being part of The Bible Collective. Let's continue to inspire and support each other on this incredible journey of faith.

Blessings,

Jacob Coyne
The Bible Collective

Feel free to share your SOAP devotion experiences with us and let us know how this method has impacted your spiritual growth. We’d love to hear from you!