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Bible Study Guide
SOAP Method, With Blank Templates
The Method
What Is SOAP?
SOAP is a simple, repeatable way to study Scripture on your own, no seminary degree required. It takes fifteen to twenty minutes and works with any passage, any translation, any day. The name is an acronym for the four steps:
S
Scripture
Write out the verse or short passage you're studying, word for word.
O
Observation
What does the passage actually say? Who's talking, what's happening, what stands out?
A
Application
What does this mean for your life this week? Be specific, not general.
P
Prayer
Turn what you just learned into a short prayer back to God.
See It in Action
A Worked Example
Scripture
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." — Proverbs 3:5
Observation
It says trust with ALL my heart, not part of it, and specifically warns against leaning on my own understanding. That means my own reasoning isn't the final word, especially when I'm scared or uncertain.
Application
I've been trying to plan my way out of a stressful situation at work instead of praying about it first. This week, before I try to fix it myself, I'm going to pray about it and ask God for wisdom.
Prayer
Lord, I don't want to lean on my own understanding this week. Help me bring my worries to You first, before I try to solve everything myself. I trust You with this. Amen.
Your Turn
Blank Templates
Eight blank templates below, print them all at once or one at a time. Come back to this page whenever you need more.
Study #1
Date: ________________
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer
Study #2
Date: ________________
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer
Study #3
Date: ________________
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer
Study #4
Date: ________________
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer
Study #5
Date: ________________
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer
Study #6
Date: ________________
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer
Study #7
Date: ________________
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer
Study #8
Date: ________________
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer