S.O.A.P.

	*Prayerful Reading* Throughout history mature believers practiced a unique method of Scripture reading called Prayerful Reading. They began by slowing down, taking deep breaths, reading each passage slowly, allowing the words to become the focus of their thoughts. They allowed the message to flow into their mind, reflecting on its meaning to their lives. Applying what they discovered in their reading lead them directly into a time of prayer, allowing the biblical truths to lead into an attitude of: gratitude, confession, or asking. The focus on this prayer reading would lead to obeying the text, turning away from their wrong lifestyle and into the way God would have for them. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalms 139:23-24)
	*The S.O.A.P. Method of* *Prayerful Reading* Use your journal to write down your thoughts as you use the S.O.A. P. outline below. It will be easier to recall what God said, or remember what you learned from each Scripture, if you have it written down. SCRIPTURE – Select a passage of Scripture from your daily reading plan. OBSERVE – Observe in the text a word or phrase that sticks out, glimmers, or you notice quickly. APPLY – Read that word or phrase several times, thinking about its meaning to you. Ask yourself, “How can I use it in my life? If I did would what it is saying be different in my life? What should I change? What should I be glad about and rejoice with?” PRAY – Pray what you have discovered, learned, observed or applied to your life back to God. Express your gratitude to Him. Be honest, He can handle your emotions and feelings.

	Prepared for you by *San Antonio* *Baptist Association* 5807 IH 10 West San Antonio, TX 78201 210.525.9954 www.sanantoniobaptist.org