At HCC, we teach a simple method for studying the Bible called the SOAP method. It’s an acronym that stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. To study the Bible in this way, you need these five things: A Bible, a Bible reading plan, a journal, a pen, and a time and place to spend time with God daily.

Here’s how the SOAP method works:

Scripture: Read a passage of Scripture slowly, trying to get a sense of the big picture of what’s happening in the text. Then, prayerfully select one verse that sticks out to you as particularly striking. Write that verse down in a journal.

Observation: Spend time observing what that verse is saying. What does that verse teach you about God? Is there a promise God is making that you need to believe? What is the truth that God is communicating to you? Write down your observations about the verse in your journal. Do your best to sum up your observation with one, clear sentence that captures the heart of that verse in your own words.

Application: In light of what you just observed from this verse, begin to think about how believing this truth might impact your life today? Is there a decision you’re making that you need to filter through the wisdom of this verse? Is there a step of obedience that this truth is calling you to take? Is there a sin in your life that you need to confess and leave behind? Write down what God is calling you to do in response to His word.

Prayer: Now that you have read, observed, and considered how to apply the Scripture to your life, spend time in prayer, asking God for strength and help to obey him. Pray as your response to what you read in Scripture for your life and for others that also need the truth of what that verse is teaching.

We even have a journal that you can purchase to help guide you through the process, you can purchase that here 👉 SOAP Method Journal: Hollywood Community Church

If you would like to receive a daily text with our Bible reading plan, text the word BIBLE to 833-442-9839.