How To Use SOAP Bible Study Method + Free Printable

Looking for a new and creative way to grow deeper in learning God’s Word?

When we read the Bible, we should be expecting to meet with the Creator of the universe every time, and using the SOAP Bible Study method can help.

Check out the SOAP Bible Study Method plus a free printable for you to start digging deeper into God’s Word today!!

What is the SOAP Bible Study Method?

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There are so many different ways to study the Bible and different methods to use.

It’s less about what method you do and more about why you are doing what you are doing.

Why do we study the Bible?

There are so many reasons to grab a study Bible and really dive in but the main reasons are to grow closer to God, and to be able to share the Gospel with others.

It’s more than just doing a daily Bible reading plan to check off your list.

When we open God’s Word, we should EXPECT something to happen. It should change our lives and the way we view things.

**If you are looking for a GREAT study Bible for women, make sure you check out our top picks and why they are so beneficial for learning God’s Word!

Using something like the SOAP method is a great way to be intentional in your Bible reading and really dig into God’s Word.

The SOAP method simply stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer – these key points help you focus on what you are reading and think more deeply about it.

It’s a simple method that can have GREAT results!

What are some of the benefits of using the SOAP Bible study method, and what does it look like in action?

Keep reading and find out…

What Are The Benefits Of The SOAP Bible Study Method?

There are so many great benefits not just in using the SOAP method to study your Bible, but any method really.

This one just happens to be a super easy one to remember and helps you look at scripture in a way you may have never thought of.

Some of the main benefits of the SOAP Bible Study Method are:

Helps you be more intnetnional in Bible reading
Reveals things to you that you may not have seen otherwise
Helps you ask questions about what you are reading
Can be great to use in a group setting, or start your own Bible study group
Brings new life to your daily Bible reading

Now that leads us to the next question, and probably the main one you are wondering…

How Do I SOAP?

So what does SOAP look like practically, on a daily basis?

First, to use this method, it would be helpful to have the following:

Blank journal (or download and use my free printable SOAP method PDF below)
Study Bible (here are our favorite study Bibles for women here)
Bible pens to write down answers
Bible highlighters to highlight anythign that stuck out to you

Then, carve out some time in your morning routine for Bible study and learning. Obviously, I understand that life happens.

There are days where the alarm doesn’t go off and I feel like I’m flying by the seat of my pants – barely reading a verse or two before the day calls my name!

But giving those firstfruits of your day to God will not only help you keep a better mindset throughout the day, but is essential for growing in your faith.

And if you don’t have that time before the kids wake up, there are so many great benefits to your kids seeing you read the Bible, and you can even begin to show THEM how to study their own Bible using this SOAP method. 🙂

Your circumstances may not change for the day, but your attitude will when you have spent that essential time with Him – and using the SOAP method can help make it so fruitful!!

So, let’s walk through an example and read together one of our favorite memory verses we learned, 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.”
PROVERBS 3:5-6

S – Scripture

First, pick a chapter to read and write out a verse or passage of scripture that stands out to you.

For this example, we are looking at Proverbs 3:5-6, so you can go ahead and fill this in after reading.

O – Observation

Now let’s look at some of the context behind this verse. Ask and answer these questions on your paper:

Who is the author and what is he saying?
What is the meaning of this verse?
Who is this message for?
What stands out to you the most?
Anything else you can observe about this passage.

We know the author of this passage is Solomon, and the proverbs were words of wisdom from the Lord.

What stands out to me the most is God telling us not to lean on our own understanding – His ways are BEST.

A – Application

Next, let’s apply what we’ve read to our daily lives by answering these questions:

How can you apply this scripture to your life today?
How can you walk in this truth?

Go ahead and write down your answers. I would say for me personally, I think God wants me to stop relying on my own strength when it comes to parenting, and not trying to do things my own way.

If I submit all those things to Him, He will show me the RIGHT way to parent.

P – Prayer

Lastly, and MOST importantly, always pray before and after reading God’s Word! Ask Him to help you retain what you have learned.

Pray and ask God for wisdom and for the grace and strength to apply His Word to your daily life.

My prayer: Father God, help me to lean on you, and not rely on my own thoughts and ways. Your ways are true and right, and I pray that you make known to me the paths you have for me, and that I trust in You through them. Amen.

You did it!! You just did your first SOAP Bible study method!!

Free Printable SOAP Bible Study Sheet

Here is your free printable SOAP Bible Study Method PDF!! Go ahead and download below, no sign-up required. 🙂

This printable includes 2 pages – a blank one for you to fill in as you study, and a page with what SOAP stands for with all the questions.

That way, you won’t have to keep going back and forth or try and remember!

You can print the main SOAP method page, laminate it (we love this pink laminator here), and keep a copy on your fridge, in your Bible, purse, etc.

You can also change your printer settings and print them smaller to keep them as cards.

Download Your Free Printable SOAP Bible Study Method PDF HERE.

Do you want access to MORE awesome, biblical, FREE printables like this one? Get exclusive access to my free printables resource library here!!!