Master SOAP Bible Study: Method, Questions, Prayer, and More
When I first started studying the Bible I wanted to know I was doing it “right.” What helped me most was having someone there to answer questions I had, give me examples, and encourage me throughout learning how to study the Bible.
This post aims to do just that for you. The SOAP Bible study method is a great way to begin learning to study the Bible for the first time as a beginner and this article will answer all your questions to help you master SOAP Bible Study.
What is SOAP Bible Study?
SOAP Bible study is a simple and practical method of Bible Study that seeks to help you grow spiritually while learning to study and live the Bible. This method is can fit any lifestyle and the acronym makes it easy to remember. SOAP stands for,
- Scripture: Choose a passage/verse of Scripture to study.
- Observation: Make key observations about what it says.
- Application: Apply what the verse says to your specific circumstances.
- Prayer: Pray and thank God for what you’ve learned.
That’s it. That’s the SOAP Bible Study Method. You can see how easy it is to adapt to fit into your lifestyle. You can choose one or two verses or a whole chapter. You can make observations however you like, and apply it to your specific situations in life.
As such, it’s perfect for everyone from teenagers to busy single parents. Typically, SOAP Bible study can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. It is a perfect tool for family devotional or personal study. No matter how or where you use it you can always get something out of it.
Let’s think of the SOAP Bible study method using an analogy.
A telescope allows astronomers to examine and focus on distant stars and celestial objects in detail. In a similar way, the SOAP Bible study method enables readers to zoom in on specific passages of Scripture, examining them closely to discover unbelievable insights.
SOAP Bible study is like a telescope in that it allows us to examine closely a specific passage. Like an astronomer observing the stars, it allows us to carefully examine the details and context of a passage.
Just like an astronomer will use their observations to learn more about the universe and make practical discoveries, we can use our observations in SOAP to apply the teaching of the passage to our own lives.
Telescopes allow astronomers to ponder the mysteries of the universe. Likewise, the SOAP Bible study method provides an opportunity to ponder the mysteries of the universe and our relationship with God through prayer.
If you are interested in knowing more about the SOAP Bible study method, then you should check out this article that will walk you through SOAP Bible Study step by step.
Why Doesn’t SOAP Bible Study Work for Everyone?
The SOAP Bible study method is a great Bible study method, but that doesn’t mean it’s ideal for everyone.
The SOAP Bible study Method may not work for you because you feel it is too rigid or time consuming. Also, the lack of an interpretation step can make applying a verse in the SOAP Bible study more challenging.
It’s Too Rigid
For some, the SOAP Bible study method is too rigid. While the structure of SOAP Bible study is beneficial for most it can be a hindrance to some. So, if you feel that the SOAP Bible study method isn’t working for you, then consider if you find it too rigid or not.
If you do, then you may want to set aside the SOAP Bible study and find a different method of Bible study like Lectio Divina. There is no rule that says you have to stick to the acronym of SOAP, find a way to study the Bible in a way that flows more naturally for you.
It’s Too Time Consuming
Another problem that some have with the SOAP Bible study method is that they feel it is too time consuming. The truth is good Bible study takes time. That said, there are ways of adapting the SOAP BIble study method to fit any time frame.
For example, you can make less observations. Or if you don’t want to do that, then break up the method over two or three different time frames or even days. There is no requirement to sit down and do the SOAP Bible study method from beginning to end in one sitting.
Even if you only have five minutes a day, you can make observations for 5 minutes one day, find application points for 5 minutes another day. On average people, spend 36.5 minutes studying the Bible. If we round down to 30 minutes, then a SOAP Bible study time may look like this:
| Scripture | Read a passage and surrounding context to find the key verse. | 5 Minutes |
| Observation | Make key observations (Who, What, When, Where, Why, repeated words, lists, figures of speech, etc.) | 15 Minutes |
| Application | Create ways to apply the Scripture to your life (Promises to claim, sins to confess, things to thank God for, etc.) | 5 Minutes |
| Prayer | Pray and thank God for what you’ve learned. Ask Him to help you grow in faith and love for Him. | 5 Minutes |
This is just an example, but you can see how the SOAP Bible study Method can be done in as little as 30 minutes. Good Bible study does take time, but anytime we spend in God’s word is time well spent.
Lack of Interpretation Step
A common complaint with the SOAP Bible study method is its lack of interpretation. The SOAP Bible study method jumps straight from making observations to applying Scripture to your life. If you are new to Bible study, then this seems to leave out a key step, and it does.
Interpretation is vital to good Bible study. Generally, there are three questions in Bible study:
- What does the text say?
- What does the text mean?
- How do I apply it to my life?
The Observation step in SOAP Bible study answers the first question of what does the text say. The application step answers the third question. What’s missing is a step to answer the middle question of what does the text mean.
Meaning is what the author is trying to communicate to the audience. It’s something that will apply to the original audience and to us as well. To discover the meaning of a passage we can ask a couple of questions,
- What does this say about God?
- What does this say about people?
Asking these questions will help us discover the meaning of the passage and apply it to our lives.
Overall, this can be included at the end of your observation step or the beginning of your application step. But to skip interpretation is like looking through the telescope without taking the lid off first.
The SOAP Bible Study Method is a great method for beginners. But it’s not ideal for everyone, so you may want to check out these alternatives to SOAP Bible study.
The SOAP Method is Not Necessary in Bible Reading
To study or not to study? That is the question. Often times, we can feel obligated to study the Bible every time we pick it up. But that can hurt our relationship with God and His word. As Bible study becomes a thing to check off a list.
The SOAP Method of Bible Study is not necessary in Bible reading. While SOAP Bible study is a great way to experience the Bible, it is not the only way. There is a difference between Bible reading and Bible study.
So let’s explore the stars of Bible reading and Bible study.
Bible reading simply is picking up the Bible and reading it. It is usually quick and great for devotional reading. Bible study, on the other hand, can be longer and goes more in-depth than Bible reading.
| Aspect | Bible Reading | Bible Study |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Gain familiarity, inspiration, and devotion | Gain a deeper understanding, explore details, and analyze content |
| Method | Sequential or random reading of passages | Systematic, structured approach often involving research and analysis |
| Time Frame | Quick and flexible, minutes to extended periods | Time-consuming, hours to weeks for in-depth study |
| Outcome | General sense of content, themes, and stories | Comprehensive understanding of specific passages or topics |
There is a time and place for SOAP Bible study, and SOAP Bible study can impact our engagement with Scripture. SOAP Bible study can lead to more frequent Bible reading, understanding of Scripture, and use of Scripture in our daily lives.
That said, there is no need to use SOAP every single time you pick up the Bible. Sometimes, all we can do is pick it up and read it. And that is enough. There was no SOAP Bible study method in Jesus’ day, nor does the Holy Spirit require the SOAP Bible study method to work.
The transformative power of Scripture is found in the very words of God, not in how we experience or engage with it. Isaiah writes,
“…so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
Isaiah 55:11
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
God’s word will do everything that God desires. When all else fails, God’s word will remain. So, it is not necessary to use SOAP every time you read the Bible. In fact, sometimes, simply reading God’s word is what we need to do.
Questions to Ask in SOAP Bible Study
That said, when we do want to use SOAP Bible study it can be a little intimidating, especially if it is your first time studying the Bible. Asking questions in each part will help.
As a general rule, you will want to ask questions in each step of the SOAP Bible study method. Doing this will help guide you through the process, make it easier, and help you discover valuable insights from God’s word that you can then apply to your life.
The following chart illustrates the questions that you can ask during each stage of the SOAP Bible study method:
| SOAP Step | Questions |
|---|---|
| Scripture | What section of Scripture am I studying? If I want to read it in multiple translations which one is my favorite, why? What verse do I want to focus on? |
| Observation | Are there any repeated words, phrases, or ideas? Do I see any lists in this verse or section? Is there something being compared or contrasted? Is there any “if… then” statements? Are there any figures of speech? Who is the author? Why did he write? Who is the audience? |
| Application | What does this teach me about God? What does this teach me about others? What does this teach me about myself? How do the key elements fit into my life? Is there a command to obey, promise to claim, or sin to confess? |
| Prayer | How should I respond to God based off of what I’ve learned? Is there something to praise God for? |
Now, you don’t have to answer every single one of these questions. They exist to help you and guide you along the process of using SOAP Bible Study. In fact, you can even create your own list of questions if you want.
When creating questions for each step of the SOAP method, it’s important to consider not only the passage’s content and context, but also what you are looking to get out of your Bible study habit.
Additionally, the questions should be open-ended and encourage thoughtful reflection and discussion. Questions like these will help you experience the Bible and apply its teachings to your life effectively.
Examples of SOAP Prayer
When I first started using SOAP, it was the prayer step that felt the weirdest. Why? I don’t know. But I remember second guessing my prayers and thinking “That’s it?”
The truth is praying at the end of a Bible study felt like I was putting a nice bow on a present and checking off a box. But it doesn’t have to feel that way. It wasn’t until I started seeing examples of prayer that I began to view the closing prayer of Bible study as the beginning of a new way to walk with God.
So, here are some examples of prayers for SOAP Bible study both from my personal life and the Bible. Hopefully, these will encourage you to savor and spend time in prayer and encountering God at the end of your Bible study time.
Personal Examples
“Father God, Paul is right. There are times I get tired of doing good. Especially, when I don’t see any fruit. You are right to remind me in these verses that I am to do good for Your sake, for Your name, for Your glory.
Though, often I lose sight of that. That is why I get tired of doing good. Help me today to do good to others. Open my eyes to see those who need Your light. Strengthen me to persevere in doing what’s right and to remember I am doing it for You. Amen.”
“God, may my motive towards righteousness be not out of duty or obligation, but rather out of love for You and others. Amen.”
“Holy God, once again I find myself resting in the filth of my uncleanness. I try and try and try to do better. But I find myself dirty again. I am sorry for my sin. I know that you take it seriously. I do to, that is why I feel such guilt.
Yet, now I am clean again. Your forgiveness washes me. Thank you for you love and mercy. Thank you so much for sending Jesus to get down in the filth and wash me clean. I praise you and love you. Knowing that your mercies are new every morning makes me happy. Truly, your love knows no bounds. Amen.
Prayers from the Bible
- The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
- Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom (Ephesians 1:17-19)
- Paul’s Prayer for Strength and Love (Ephesians 3:16-19)
- David’s Prayer of Dedication (1 Chronicles 29:10-13)
- Paul’s Prayer for Knowledge and Discernment (Philippians 1:9-11)
- Prayer for Guidance (Psalm 25:4-5)
- Prayer of Surrender (Psalm 139:23-24)
- A Prayer for Understanding (Psalm 119:18)
- A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise (Psalm 103:1-5)
- Psalm 23
- The Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26)
Reading, studying and using prayers from the Bible is a great way to learn more about prayer. The book of Psalms is a great place to start. You can adapt and personalize prayers from the Bible to fit your own needs.
If that is something that interests you, then you may want to check out this article. It will show you how you can pray the Scripture back to God, adapting it to fit your own circumstances.
SOAP Prayer Template
While it is good to end Bible study with extemporaneous prayers, a prayer template can also be helpful. So, here is a fill in the blank template to use at the end of your SOAP Bible Study,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You today with a heart filled with gratitude for the insights I’ve gained from Your Word, [Scripture passage]. Thank You for speaking to me through Your Holy Scriptures and revealing Your truths.
As I reflect on this passage, I am reminded of Your [observation or key theme from the passage], and I’m encouraged by the way [mention any specific observations].
Lord, help me to apply these lessons in my life. Give me the strength and wisdom to [specific application or action]. I recognize that I need Your guidance in [mention areas where you need God’s help].
I lift up to You [specific prayer requests for yourself or others], trusting that Your grace and love will work in [mention the situation or person]. I seek Your forgiveness for [confession or seeking forgiveness if applicable].
I offer my heart to You, asking that You [closing prayer, request, or dedication]. May Your Word continue to transform me and draw me closer to You each day.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Starting A SOAP Bible Study Group
Starting a SOAP Bible study group can be a great way to not only develop a Bible study habit for yourself, but also encourage others to do the same.
Starting a SOAP Bible Study Group includes a number of steps that encourages discussion, fosters fellowship, and promotes accountability. As such, it is a journey of spiritual growth and fellowship that helps you stay committed to experiencing the Bible.
Here are the steps to starting and leading a SOAP Bible study with others,
- Begin with prayer, seeking God’s guidance in leading the group.
- Choose a specific Bible passage or book for study.
- Invite participants, considering various backgrounds and interests.
- Set a schedule for regular meetings.
- Prepare thoroughly by studying the chosen passage and creating discussion questions.
- Use the SOAP method as a format: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.
- Facilitate discussions, keeping them focused and respectful.
- Encourage active participation and open sharing.
- Promote accountability for applying biblical lessons in daily life.
- Build a sense of community through occasional social events.
- Pray continuously for group members and their spiritual growth.
If leading a group Bible study is something that interests you, then you may want to check out this article. You’ll learn 9 practical tips for leading your first Bible study. Or this article, will will show you how to teach SOAP to others.
Historical Context: Who Invented the SOAP Bible Study Method
The SOAP Bible study method was created by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro as a tool for his church and others to pass along as a simple and effective way to study the Bible no matter where one is their walk with God.
Pastor Cordeiro is a Christian minister, author, and speaker. He is the founder of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii. One of the largest churches in the state. He has written numerous books on leadership, church growth, and spiritual development.
Benefits of Consistent SOAP Bible Study
Consistent SOAP Bible study can have a major impact on your Bible study habits and spiritual growth.
Overall, consistent SOAP Bible Study will have a positive impact on your spiritual, emotional, and social well being. The structured approach and accessibility of the SOAP Bible study method will transform your Bible reading habit and, as a result, your life.
The chart below shows the impact that consistent SOAP Bible study can have on your experience and use of the Bible.
| Measure | Before SOAP Bible Study | After SOAP Bible Study |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of Bible Reading | Once a week | 4+ Times/Week |
| Understanding of Scripture | Limited | Deepened |
| Time Spent in Bible Study | 15 minutes/day | 30 minutes/day |
| Use of Bible in Prayer | Occasionally | Regularly |
| Participation in Bible Study Groups | Rarely | Actively involved |
| Willingness to Share Scripture | Low | Increased Willingness |
Consistent use of the SOAP Bible study method will increase your engagement with the Bible. That’s kind of obvious, but what is really exciting is its impact on other areas of your life.
A recent study polled 40,000 people ages 8 to 80 to see how often they engaged with Scripture and how it impacted their life.
- 1 Day of consistent Bible engagement had minimal impact on key areas of life and negligible impact on behavior or attitudes.
- 2 Days of consistent Bible engagement had similar negligible effect including little to no impact on behavior or attitudes.
- 3 Days of consistent Bible engagement had small indication of impact, and a beginning of some positive changes.
- 4 Days of consistent Bible engagement had an astounding impact on key areas of life and significant positive effects on behavior and attitude.
- 5 Days of consistent Bible engagement had a continued impact that resulted in consistent positive changes in behavior and attitude.
- 6 Days of consistent Bible engagement had a sustained impact that saw continued transformation and growth.
- 7 Days of consistent Bible engagement had a maximum impact and the highest level of positive change and growth.
The study concluded that 4+ days of consistent Bible study resulted in:
- Feeling lonely drops 30%
- Anger issues drop 32%
- Bitterness in relationships drops 40%
- Alcoholism drops 57%
- Sex outside of marriage drops 68%
- Feeling spiritually stagnant drops 60%
- Viewing pornography drops 61%
- Sharing your faith jumps 200%
- Discipling others jumps 230%
The Bible says, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26). This is certainly true with consistent study of God’s word.
Resources and Tools for SOAP Bible Study
The beautiful thing about the SOAP Bible Study method is that it doesn’t really require that many tools at all.
For SOAP Bible study you will only need a Bible, a journal for notes, and a quiet distraction-free space. Additional, optional resources could include Bible dictionaries, commentaries, or concordances. But most important is a heart set on encountering God.
If you are interested in some of these optional resources, then be sure to check out the Bible study Bookshelf. There, I recommend some great books, tools, websites, apps, and more that can help you make the most of your Bible study time.
Key Takeaways
- The SOAP Bible Study Method helps people learn to study and apply the Bible to their life.
- SOAP stands for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.
- While SOAP Bible study is effective, it may not work for everyone given its perceived rigidity and time-consuming nature.
- SOAP Bible Study is not necessary everytime you read the Bible.
- Asking questions in each step of the process guides you through the SOAP Bible study Method.
- Prayer is a great way to end Bible study time as it marks the beginning of a renewed walk with God.
- Starting a SOAP Bible Study Group is a great way to foster community and spiritual growth.
- SOAP Bible study was developed by Pastor Wayne Cordiero of New Hope Christian Fellowship.
- Consistent Bible study has a positive impact on spiritual, emotional, and social well being.
- The only tools necessary for SOAP BIble study are a bible, a journal, and a quiet place.
