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The SOAP Bible study method, with a free template and a worked example

SOAP is one of the simplest ways to slow down and study a short passage. You only need a Bible, a pen and about fifteen minutes.

What SOAP stands for

• S, Scripture. Write out the verse or short passage by hand. Writing makes you notice words you would read past.
• O, Observation. What does it say? Who is speaking, to whom, and what is going on around it? Note repeated words and anything that surprises you.
• A, Application. What does this mean for you today? Be specific: a situation, a person, a choice.
• P, Prayer. Pray the passage back to God in your own words.

A worked example: James 1:5

Scripture. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, World English Bible)

Observation. James is writing to people going through hard times (verses 2 to 4). He does not tell them to work out the answers alone. God is described as someone who gives generously and does not scold us for asking.

Application. I have a decision to make and I keep going round in circles. Today I will stop and ask for wisdom before I write another list of pros and cons.

Prayer. “Lord, I don’t know what to do here. Thank you that you don’t mind me asking. Please give me wisdom, and help me notice it when it comes.”

Ten passages to start with

• Psalm 23
• Psalm 119:105
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Isaiah 40:28-31
• Matthew 5:1-12
• Matthew 6:25-34
• John 15:1-11
• Romans 12:1-2
• Philippians 4:4-9
• James 1:2-8

Tips that help

• One or two verses is enough. Short passages give you room to think.
• Read the verses before and after, so you know the context.
• Write the application as something you could actually do this week.
• Date every page. Reading them back months later is encouraging.