What the SOAP method is
SOAP is a simple way to read and journal through the Bible. The letters stand for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. The method is widely taught in churches and is often associated with pastor Wayne Cordeiro, though many people teach and adapt it today. It is a tool, not a requirement, and other methods exist.
Its main strength is that it slows you down. Instead of reading a chapter quickly, you stay with one passage long enough to notice something and respond.
The four steps
S: Scripture
Read the day’s passage slowly. Choose one verse or short section that stands out, and copy it into a notebook or app in your own handwriting. Writing it out makes you notice the words.
O: Observation
Write what you see in the text. Who is speaking? What is being said about God? Are there repeated words, commands or promises? Observation is about what the passage says, not yet what it means for you. If a verse is difficult, it may help to compare a note or commentary from your tradition.
A: Application
Ask how the passage applies to your life this week. Keep it specific and manageable: a person to call, an attitude to examine, a habit to try. Avoid forcing every verse into a command; some passages mainly invite worship or trust.
P: Prayer
Respond to God in writing or aloud. You might thank him, confess something, ask for help, or pray for someone the passage brings to mind.
Where to start reading
Many people begin with a Gospel, such as Mark or John, or with a short letter such as Philippians. Shorter books help build the habit. A New Testament book with brief chapters gives you a natural daily portion.
A sample four-week starter plan
This plan reads a short passage each weekday. Adjust as needed.
- Week 1: Mark 1-5. One section per day (for example, Mark 1:1-13, 1:14-20, 1:21-28).
- Week 2: Mark 6-10. Continue section by section.
- Week 3: Philippians 1-2. Read a few verses per day.
- Week 4: Philippians 3-4. Finish the letter and review your journal.
Weekends can be used to review or catch up.
An example entry
Scripture: Philippians 4:6 (WEB), “In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Observation: The verse links anxiety, prayer and thanksgiving. It says “in everything,” not only big things.
Application: I will name one worry each morning this week and bring it to God before checking my phone. (A related passage to journal on is 1 Peter 5:7; see our 1 Peter 5:7 study questions.)
Prayer: A short written prayer naming the worry and asking for help to trust.
Using SOAP in a group
SOAP works well as preparation for a discussion. Ask each member to bring one observation and one application from the passage. In the meeting, invite people to share, but let them skip. It also pairs well with the session rhythm in our discipleship small group study guide.
Tips and common pitfalls
- Keep it short. Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to start.
- Do not skip observation. Jumping straight to application can lead to reading your own ideas into the text.
- Be gentle with missed days. Pick up where you left off rather than starting over.
- Remember context. A single verse sits in a chapter and a book. If something seems puzzling, read the surrounding verses.
Frequently asked questions
Is SOAP the same as a devotional?
Not exactly. It is a method you can use with any passage, whereas a devotional usually provides the reflection for you.
Do I need a special journal?
No. Any notebook or notes app is enough. Printable templates exist but are optional.
Can I do SOAP in a year-long plan?
Yes. You can pair SOAP with a one-year reading plan by journaling on one verse from each day’s reading.