Two things. First, can you have an effective personal Bible study during the day without feeling like it’s a chore? Secondly, can you actually find time to study and pray with your partner? Yes, I think you can and it’s easier than you think. On the list of “things I hate,” reading is at the top next to dill pickles and Furby. So, making time to read and study has been an extra-difficult task to undertake. But, I did it!
I’m going to be honest. It has taken me a long time to find a Bible study method that works. I can be so ADD at times that sitting down to read feels more like a punishment than a reward. I grew up in church and knew the importance of having a quiet time to read and pray, but I just didn’t do it. My friend started a bible study Facebook group that I joined and it has helped keep me accountable with reading the Bible. I borrowed this method from her, though I know it is a pretty common way to study!
SOAP for Personal Bible Study
No, it’s not hand soap. Put down your purse and Bath and Body Works coupons.
The method I use for my personal study is called SOAP. I read a chapter a day and journal about what I read using these points:
S- Scripture. Write out a verse or two that stood out to me.
O- Observation. What did I observe about the scripture that stood out to me? It could simply be about the context, about the words or lesson, really anything that strikes me as important.
A- Application. How can I apply this to my life? I usually write the question out every time I get to “A” so that I can stay on task.
P- Prayer. Write a prayer asking God to help you apply these lessons or you can write out your entire prayer for the day OR just pray. Take time to go over what you read and meditate on God’s words. Sometimes it’s short and sweet while other times I feel convicted and decide to take some time to ask forgiveness and ask for wisdom to work through these lessons.
I love this method because I know what to expect while I’m reading. I pick things out that strike me as important and highlight or copy them down. It isn’t difficult, I can write as little or as much as I want. When something new comes up that I haven’t read before, it gives me the opportunity to look at other translations or learn about the context of the verse.
Bible Study For Couples
If you and hubs (or future hubs) want to find a way to study the Bible together, here’s a method hubs and I use! Honestly, we have struggled with staying consistent in Bible study as a couple and one of our goals this year is to get better with it. Hubs implemented a system for when he leaves in the morning before me. He will leave a note or send a text with a verse for us to read and then we both respond with what it means to us and how we can apply it to our lives and marriage. He sometimes adds a fun little note too!
I’ll call it the “Text Me” method, ha. It goes a little something like this:
Hey wifers, today’s verse is:
How can we apply it to our marriage/relationship/self?
I love this. I love how we can still be connected and intentional during our busy work days. At dinner, we talk about what we wrote and figure out a game plan when issues arise that need tending to.
If you haven’t studied the Bible as a couple yet, I encourage you to start! We are just one year into marriage and we are not consistent yet, but I know the deeper we get with God, the closer we will grow together. Setting a solid foundation in your marriage is the key to staying strong when times get tough. For those of you who aren’t married yet, set some time to consistently pray and read the Bible. Cultivating a relationship with Christ first is the key to finding peace when times get tough. Remember, He longs to be in relationship with us.
I hope these tips have added some insight to your Bible study! Until next time.
About the Author:
Emily is the author of the blog “Beloved.” She’s also known as “E” to her readers. Did you enjoy this article by her? If so, head over to “Beloved” to read more!
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