How to Begin Reading the Bible Using the S.O.A.P. Method
An explanation of the S.O.A.P. Method of reading the Bible.
Anyone can read the Bible using the S.O.A.P. Method. It’s a simple, beginner-friendly approach that stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Let’s break it down.
Scripture
First, choose a Bible translation. The best translation is one you will read and can understand. The New International Version and English Standard Version are popular choices because they are among the easiest to read and understand. Many scholars favor the New Revised Standard Version because it balances accurate translation and readability better than most.
Second, read larger sections, not single verses. We want to avoid reading verses outside of their broader context. To do this, try reading at least one chapter at a time.
Observation
In observation, we’re asking who, what, where, when, and why questions of the text. There are likely dozens of questions to be asked, but here are just a few to get you started:
Who?
Who is the author?
Who was this written to?
Who are the characters?
What?
What type of literature is this?
What is the plot or argument?
What is repeated or contrasted?
Where?
Where is the author?
Where is the audience?
What places are mentioned?
When?
When was this written?
What times are mentioned?
Is there a historical event or festival mentioned?
Why?
Why was this written?
Why there? Why then? Why them?
How?
How are things said and done?
How is this written?
How does this connect to what comes before and after?
Try to answer these questions without opening a website or reference book. See what you discover using only the Bible passage before you. Then, if you want to explore further, check out the guide for the book you're reading at bibleproject.com/guides or use a Study Bible. [1]
BibleProject guides offer background information and a quick overview of each book. A Study Bible includes helpful articles and notes to enhance your understanding. Both can help answer many of our questions during the observation step of the S.O.A.P. Method.
Application
Now, it’s time to discern what God might be saying to us through the passage we’re reading. To do that, we ask questions. There are countless questions we could ask, but here are a few to get you started:
What does this reveal about God and humanity?
What does this reveal about me?
Is there an action to take?
Is there an encouragement to receive?
Is there a promise to claim?
Is there a command to obey?
Is there an example to follow?
Is there a prayer to pray?
Is there a danger to avoid?
Is there a virtue to pursue?
Is there a truth to believe?
Is there a reason to thank God?
Is there a verse to memorize?
Is there a sin to confess?
Is there a principle to apply?
Is there a direction to follow?
Pray
The final step of the S.O.A.P. Method is prayer. Prayer is simply an honest conversation with God. As we’ve used the S.O.A.P. Method, God has been speaking through the Bible, and we've been listening. We've asked questions, and God has been guiding us toward answers. So, in a way, we've been praying all along.
Now, we intentionally engage God in conversation about what we’ve read, and observed, and how it applies to our lives.
There’s no “right” way to do this. You might begin by saying, "God, thank you for being here with me. What more do you want to say? I’m listening."
Then, talk to God about whatever comes to mind. Maybe an answer to an application question surfaces: "Thank you for showing me a promise I need today" or "Thank you for guiding me toward a change I need to make.”
Feel free to express gratitude, share feelings or needs, ask more questions, or turn the passage you’ve been reading into a prayer. How amazing is it that not only do we get to read the Bible, but we also get to have a conversation with its Author?
Let’s Begin!
When we open the Bible, we open ourselves to receive whatever God wants to say and do. The Bible is living and active! As we read, observe, apply, and pray, God breathes life into us, reshapes how we view our circumstances, and refines our character. God builds resilience and joy, strengthens us in moments of temptation, and transforms the way we think and what we desire. And so much more! So, come to the Bible daily with this expectation, knowing that God will meet you on every page.
[1] Recommended Study Bibles: NIV Study Bible, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, NIV First-Century Study Bible
