What is SOAP Journaling?
As we read God's words, we begin to see how God responds to things. Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think and transforms the spirit of the mind. Then when we face similar situations as Jesus did, we begin to respond in the same way.
Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It's also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the 'gems' that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! And while journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your small group or mentors. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight and even encourage others.
S for Scripture
Open your Bible to the reading found under today's date of your Bible bookmark. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
O for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.
A for Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.
If this seems a little overwhelming, take it slow and keep it simple. No matter how you decide to do your devotions, the important thing is to show up for your daily appointment, because God is always waiting for you!
- taken from New Hope Christian Fellowship Oahu (http://www.enewhope.org/firststeps/journaling/) - How to Journal
Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It's also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the 'gems' that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! And while journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your small group or mentors. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight and even encourage others.
S for Scripture
Open your Bible to the reading found under today's date of your Bible bookmark. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
O for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.
A for Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.
If this seems a little overwhelming, take it slow and keep it simple. No matter how you decide to do your devotions, the important thing is to show up for your daily appointment, because God is always waiting for you!
- taken from New Hope Christian Fellowship Oahu (http://www.enewhope.org/firststeps/journaling/) - How to Journal
My SOAP Journal for Daily Devotion
- taken from http://www.fourteenfloor.com/2009/02/09/my-soap-journal-for-daily-devotionsDo you have a habit of keeping a daily devotional time? As a Christian, you probably have tried and failed to keep a consistent daily practice of bible reading and prayer. I know I have tried and failed many times. There were more seasons in my life where I didn't have a devotional life compared to times where I had one.
Some of you may be asking isn't reading the mobile devotional considered as having a devotional time? Well, for me, just reading a mobile devotional article on my phone is like having a spiritual snack. It is not my idea of a daily devotion. Reading a bible passage followed by some time to reflect, apply and pray that message into my life is what I consider having a daily devotion.
I started journaling as part of daily devotional time sometime last month, and everyone in my home group is also starting to journal in the beginning of this month. We are using a simple journal called My SOAP Journal produced by my church to encourage the members to read the bible daily and journal what God speaks to them during their devotions. My home group members have already started sharing their testimonies about how God has spoken to them during their daily devotions.
You can get a copy of the My SOAP Journal from http://www.fourteenfloor.com/2009/02/09/my-soap-journal-for-daily-devotions.
Oh yeah, and SOAP stands for (S)cripture, (O)bservation, (A)pplication and (P)rayer. You can get more information about SOAP Journaling from:
What you need to start journaling:
- A bible. (I prefer the NLT.)
- A journal. (I’m using the journal from my church, but a plain notebook will do fine.)
- A bible reading plan. (Google will find you plenty of bible reading plans.)
- A pen or pencil.
Make Us Wise
- this article is taken from http://fourteenfloor.com/2009/02/17/make-us-wise-spending-time-in-god-s-word-with-soap-journalingI wonder how many people have started or at least tried out SOAP Journaling after reading my post about SOAP Journaling? Most Christians are taught the importance of daily bible reading and prayer when they first believed in Jesus. However, most will find it difficult to do so daily. Many give up trying after a while. Did this happen to you?
How do we break out of this problem? I believe there are two things crucial to having a daily devotional life. The first thing is to realize the importance of spending time with Jesus everyday. Jesus said that spending time with him is the one thing worth being concerned about. Read what happened in Luke 10:38-42 (NLT):
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."
41 But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."
The second thing is to have some practical means to help us spend our devotional time meaningfully. The SOAP Journaling method gives us very practical steps to journal our observations, applications and prayers as we read the Bible. Reading and writing down what we are receiving from the Bible makes us more focused and intentional in our devotional time compared to just reading alone.
I came across this video message by Wayne Cordeiro on the importance of receiving God’s wisdom for our lives daily during our devotional time. Wayne Cordeiro in his message, Make Us Wise gives us a crystal clear picture of why it’s so crucial to have a daily time with the Lord to receive God’s wisdom for our lives. He also provides very practical steps on how to do SOAP journaling. Wayne is the author of The Divine Mentor, a book on Growing Your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior.
You can get his video and audio message from http://mentoringleaders.com/video.php?id=9 or http://theaterchurch.com/media/message/make-us-wise/.
SOAP Journaling Stuff on Amazon
Divine Mentor, The: Growing Your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior
Amazon Price: $10.07 (as of 01/08/2010) 
by victor-at-squidoo
Mobile and Web Software Engineer.
Interests: Reading, Video Games, Gadgets
Beliefs: Christianity
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