SOAP - for a clean devotion.

I was just reading from the Livewire, the monthly newsletter of the First Baptist Church in Hornell, NY, and the column from the Pastor, Rev. Mike Childs, contained a word that might help each of us. He got it from Rev. Steve Matteson, so I am hoping he doesn’t mind if I pass it on a little further.

Here is a simple plan pattern for devotions. It’s a great way for people, young or old, to get into God’s Word, and make it personal. This is the format, which can be used with any daily Scripture reading. It is easy to remember, and easy to use, but will really give you spiritual life a punch!

Paul’s words are timely: “Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise is some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.” 1 Timothy 4:7b,8.

SOAP

4 things you will need: 1) Pen. 2) Journal (notebook). 3) Reading Plan. 4) Bible.

S Scripture: Ask the Lord to bring home to your heart one text in particular. Choose a verse or two from your reading that stands out, a text that you are drawn to. Write it down in your prayer journal.

O Observation: Ponder the message God has highlighted for you. What’s happening? Who’s involved? Make an observation about what is happening. Write it down.

A Application: Write out how you plan to live this. How will you be different today because of what you’ve just read? How does this verse apply to you? Write it down.

P Prayer: Record a simple prayer that reflects how you honestly feel and then interact with God. Don’t forget to tell Him how thankful you are for the power of His Word!

Name it: When you are all done with your quiet time, give the page a title, something brief that you can remember it by. Create an index at the beginning of your Journal. Record the title there. Then later, you can look through this index and find an entry you can use right away.