A Simple Guide to the S.O.A.P. Method of Bible Study

Scripture  |  Observation  |  Application  |  Prayer

If you’re new to Bible study and wondering where to begin, the S.O.A.P. method is one of the simplest—and most meaningful—ways to slow down, listen to God’s Word, and let it shape your daily life. It turns reading into reflection, and reflection into growth.

The name comes from four steps:  Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Think of it as a gentle rhythm that helps you hear, understand, and live out what God is saying.

Why S.O.A.P. Works

Most of us can read a passage and forget it five minutes later. S.O.A.P. helps us linger.

It encourages you to write something down, notice something important, do something with it, and finally bring it to God. This simple structure transforms casual reading into intentional discipleship.

How to Use the S.O.A.P. Method

Grab a notebook or journal (nothing fancy required) and create four headings:  

S, O, A, P

Let's walk through each step slowly and thoughtfully:

S — Scripture:  Write It Out

Choose a verse or a short passage and write it word-for-word.

There’s something powerful about copying Scripture—it forces your mind to slow down and your heart to pay attention.

Questions to help you:

• What does the passage actually say?
• Are there repeated words, commands, or promises?

O — Observation:  What Do You Notice?

Now look carefully at the text. What stands out? What surprises you? What questions come to mind?

You’re not trying to preach a sermon—you’re simply paying attention.

Questions to guide your thinking:

• What do I learn about God?
• What do I learn about people?
• Is there a sin to avoid, a command to obey, or a truth to celebrate?
• What is happening in the passage?

If you have the time and resources available, look up complex words in a bible dictionary. Use a concordance to see other passages that mention like subjects. 

These simple observations build a bridge from the Bible’s world to yours.

A — Application:  How Should This Change Me?

This step is where the Bible moves from the page into your life.

Ask yourself how this truth should shape your choices, attitudes, and actions today.

Questions to help you apply:

• What should I start doing?
• What should I stop doing?
• What should I keep doing?
• How can I live this out in the next 24 hours?

Application doesn’t have to be dramatic—often it’s one small, faithful step.

P — Prayer:  Talk to God About It

Close your study by praying over what you’ve learned.

Ask God to open your heart, strengthen your obedience, and deepen your trust.

Your prayer can be short and simple:

“Lord, thank You for this truth. Help me live it today.”

This final step, reminds us that Bible study is not just information—it’s a conversation with the God who loves us.

An Example:  Philippians 4:6–7

Here’s what a simple S.O.A.P. entry might look like:

Scripture:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God…”

Observation:  Paul is teaching me to trade worry for prayer. God gives peace that circumstances can’t.

Application:  Today, when anxiety shows up, I will stop and pray instead of overthinking.

Prayer:  “Father, calm my heart. Help me trust You with whatever worries me today.”

Getting Started

You don’t need a special plan or a long checklist—just start with one verse.

Open your Bible, write it down, and move through the four steps. If you do this regularly, you will begin to notice God’s Word shaping your thoughts, renewing your mind, and strengthening your faith.

Many people find S.O.A.P. especially helpful when paired with a daily reading plan or used in a Bible class or small group. The method is simple enough for beginners but rich enough to guide lifelong Christians.

A Final Encouragement

Growing in God’s Word doesn’t require perfection—just willingness. 

If you take a few minutes each day to read, reflect, apply, and pray, you will grow.

You will hear God more clearly.

And you will find His truth becoming a steady anchor in your everyday life.

Why not start today?

Pick one verse—just one—and walk through S.O.A.P. See what God does with your quiet, honest time in His Word.

Matthew 6:25-27 - Trusting God

Matthew 6:25

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”

Jesus addresses one of our most common struggles: worry. His words remind us that God, the Creator of the universe, is also the sustainer of our lives. But — it is more than just a command to stop worrying — it is an invitation to trust. Worrying is not only unproductive, it is also unnecessary, and yet, how often do we let it rob us of our joy and peace?

Jesus addresses our daily concerns — what we will eat, drink, or wear. These are things we think about regularly. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of everyday life, but Jesus calls us to lift our eyes above these concerns and trust that God is in control of it all. We are not meant to figure everything out on our own or to spend our days in worry. We are called to trust.

Proverbs 3:5-6:  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Birds don’t plant crops, harvest fields, or store food in barns, yet they are fed. This isn’t to say that birds don’t work — they search for food and build nests — but they do so without anxiety because God provides for them. Jesus uses this simple example to show that if God takes care of the birds, how much more will He care for us, His children?

Jesus asks us a simple rhetorical question: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” His point is clear: worrying doesn’t solve problems, extend life, or bring any real benefit. In fact, it does the opposite — it drains our energy, clouds our judgment, and diminishes our faith.

When we replace worry with prayer, God promises us His peace — a peace that may not always make sense in human terms, but is deeply felt by those who trust in Him.

Philippians 4:6-7:  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Jesus’ teaching doesn’t end with the command to stop worrying. He invites us to shift our focus. When we prioritize God’s kingdom and trust Him with our lives, He promises to take care of our needs. This doesn’t mean life will always be easy, or that we won’t face difficulties. But it does mean we can face those challenges with the confidence that God is with us, providing for us along the way.

Matthew 6:33:  "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

It’s easy to worry, thinking that our anxiety will somehow change the outcome of our circumstances. But Jesus invites us to lay down that burden and trust in His love and care. The next time worry begins to creep in, take a moment to look at the birds around you. Let them remind you of God’s faithfulness. If He cares for them, how much more does He care for you?

God knows our needs, so instead of trying to control the things we cannot, let’s rest in the truth that God — who is both our Creator and our Father — is more than able to take care of us. He asks us to trust Him, and when we do, we experience a peace and security that worry can never offer.

Psalm 55:22:  "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."