Life Archives - Guided By Grace

January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

HOW TO BEGIN READING THE BIBLE USING THE S.O.A.P. BIBLE STUDY METHOD

Have you tried MANY different methods of Bible study over the years only to find they didn’t work well for you? There seems to be one for every level of experience, and that is always a great thing! But the SOAP Bible Study Method is one of my favorites because of its simplicity while, at the same time, allowing one to take Bible study as far as they want to go with it.

It allows you to draw from scripture what the Lord wants to show you personally, and not just what someone else experienced. You are not limited in this method and can continue to use it as you grow in your walk and in as you grow in your study of the Word.

So why the SOAP Bible Study Method? What is it exactly?

The SOAP Bible Study stands for:

S – Scripture

O- Observation

A- Application

P- Prayer

For individuals seeking an effective approach to Bible study, the S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method provides a systematic framework for engaging with scripture.

Many readers can find the prospect of studying the Bible daunting due to its complexity and depth. It is common to lose motivation or become overwhelmed when attempting to read the Bible from start to finish. However, it is important to recognize that the Bible is not a single book, but rather a collection of works—books, songs, and poetry—all inspired to communicate enduring messages of love and faith. As such, it is most productively studied in manageable sections.

What is the S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method?

The S.O.A.P. method stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. This approach can be integrated into any existing study plan, and encourages reflective journaling based on verses that resonate personally.

Below is an overview of each step in the S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method:

Scripture

Begin by reading the selected passage, either aloud or using a different translation for enhanced understanding. Clarify its origin: Is the text from the Old or New Testament, and what genre does it represent (historical, narrative, prophetic, poetry, letter)? Identify the author and audience, as well as the time period in which it was written—introductory sections in many Bibles or reputable online resources may assist. Writing out the passage helps facilitate detailed attention to its content and meaning.

Observation

This step requires careful analysis of the passage—highlight key words, note instructions or themes, and answer questions like: Who is speaking? What is the context? How was it understood then? What attributes of God are shown? Are there examples or warnings for today? Identify promises or praiseworthy elements.

Application

Apply the insights gained to your current circumstances. Reflect on how the passage is relevant to your life, whether through encouragement, instruction, command, or prompting positive change. Remain attentive to guidance on areas for personal growth and ways to benefit others by emulating faithful individuals described in scripture. Consistent engagement with this step facilitates ongoing transformation and alignment with spiritual principles.

Prayer

Conclude by praying for support in implementing changes prompted by the scripture. Seek strength for personal growth and transformation, offer praise for God’s character and actions, and confess any unaddressed shortcomings. Request assistance for challenges in your life, pray for the needs of others—including friends, family, and leaders—and ask for guidance in consistently applying biblical teachings.

The S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method offers a practical, organized pathway for developing a deeper understanding of scripture and integrating its lessons into daily life.

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Tips when using the Bible Study

In the SOAP Bible study method, prayer is how you close your time with God. However, I want to encourage you to open with prayer, as well. Whenever I open the Word of God, I pray that His Holy Spirit will illuminate and guide my time in Bible Study. Pray for wisdom – He promises to give wisdom abundantly when we as (James 1:5).

Choose to move through a specific book of the Bible with this soap bible study method, rather than skipping around. The Bible already breaks up chapters into sections/paragraphs. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Follow the natural breaks in each chapter.

The more consistently you practice this, the more natural it becomes to recognize the ways God desires you to grow and change.

Prayer

Ask God to help you put into action the changes He is prompting in your daily life. Pray for the strength and power to follow through, and that He would use the scripture to transform you to be more like Jesus.
Praise God for His character and all He has done—acknowledge Him as King, Lord, loving, gracious, and express your gratitude.
Confess any sin that remains unaddressed in your life. Repent by choosing to turn away from sin and move toward God.
Bring to God any area where you need His guidance or support.
Remember to pray for your friends, family, leaders, and all those you care about—they need prayer too.
Ask God to show you how to live out His Word, referencing James 1:22, and become a doer, not just a hearer.

If you would like a free S.O.A.P. Bible Study Template click on S.O.A.P. Bible Study

As you integrate the SOAP Bible study method into your routine, remember that true transformation comes through both reflection and action. Consistency in approaching God’s Word with an open heart and a prayerful spirit will deepen your relationship with Him. Let each study session be an opportunity not only to learn, but also to grow in faith and put His teachings into practice in your everyday life.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Guided By Grace

December 30, 2025January 9, 2026

WORD OF THE YEAR INSTEAD OF A RESOLUTION

As the year comes to an end and the holiday bustle subsides, you might be reflecting on New Year’s resolutions, writing down dreams, or setting new goals. Another way to welcome the year with expectancy is to define a “word for the year.” In case you’ve never heard of it, typically, a “word for the year” is something you are believing for in the coming year—a word or theme that stood out during your time with God. It’s a word you can continue to pray for throughout the year or use to help filter your decisions and remind you of what’s important.

A “Word of the Year” is more than a goal; it’s a focus, a prayer, and a way to keep your heart aligned with God’s plan for your life. Let’s explore why this simple practice can transform your year and how to incorporate it into your Bible journaling.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you narrow down your word.

Step One: Schedule and set aside a time for prayer. Turn off your notifications, tune out the distractions, and take time to connect with God. Every person connects with God differently, so decide what enriches you the most. Do you connect with God best in nature? When worship music is playing? When there is silence? Take time to examine what makes you feel closest to God.

Step Two: As you listen and pray, simply enjoy God’s presence without any pressure to figure it all out. If any inspiring thoughts or Scriptures come to mind during that time, jot them down. If nothing stands out to you on the first day, don’t get discouraged. Keep carving out time to connect with God and repeat the process. Most likely, you’ll sense a theme forming.

Step Three: As you listen and pray, also take time to reflect. Look back on the previous year and ask yourself questions like:

What did God teach me?
How did I grow?
What is there to celebrate?

Then, take time to reflect on the new year. Ask yourself questions like:

Who do I want to become this year?
What prayers do I want to see answered?
If I could sum up my hopes for the new year in three words, what would they be?

After you write down your thoughts, look for common threads. Take the three words you listed and add any others that come to mind based on the theme. Circle the ones that stand out the most and research the words. Notice any other variations that emerge. Continue to narrow your list until you land on the word that stands out the most. Write down your word and hang it in a place you’ll see it regularly. Maybe your word is “trust.” Visibly seeing your word can remind you to trust God when life is challenging in the coming year. Or perhaps it serves as a reminder to pray for a steady trust in Christ to form in you throughout the year.

A Prayer as You Begin:

.Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You with open hearts as this new year approaches. Thank You for Your faithfulness in the past and Your promises for the future. Lord, You know every detail of our lives—the joys, challenges, growth areas, and dreams. We ask You to speak clearly and gently, revealing a word or theme that will guide, encourage, and draw us closer to You in 2026. Make it a word rooted in Your truth, one that we can return to in prayer, Scripture, and daily life. Help us listen for Your voice above all others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Clarity in the Chaos
Life can feel overwhelming, with countless distractions pulling us in different directions. A Word of the Year acts as a compass, keeping you centered on a spiritual theme or area of growth.
Spiritual Growth
Whether it’s “Faith,” “Peace,” “Trust,” or “Joy,” a Word of the Year invites God to work in a specific area of your life. It becomes a prayerful focus, shaping how you read Scripture and seek Him.
A Gentle Reminder
Instead of feeling pressure to check off resolutions, a Word of the Year gently reminds you to embrace growth at your own pace. It’s an invitation, not an obligation.

Why Choose a Word of the Year?

How to Choose Your Word

Word of The Year 2026 Ideas Free Download

Pray for Guidance
Begin by asking God to reveal the word He wants to shape your life. Listen for a theme that resonates in your heart or appears in your Bible reading.

Reflect on the Past Year
Consider where God has brought you and where you sense Him leading you next. Are you being called to surrender? To trust? To rejoice?
Be Open to Surprises
Sometimes the word you need isn’t the one you’d expect. Let the Holy Spirit guide you, even if the word feels challenging.
Consider God’s Character
A meaningful approach is to choose a word inspired by one of God’s five key attributes revealed in Exodus 34:6–7.
Bible Journaling Ideas for Your Word of the Year
Use Bible journaling to bring your Word of the Year to life. Whether you journal by hand or digitally, these prompts can help you reflect and grow:
Create a Cover Page for Your Word
Frame your Word of the Year with a Scripture that supports it. For example, if your word is “Hope,” use Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.
Write a Prayer of Dedication
Journal a prayer asking God to use this word to transform your life. Decorate it with flowers, frames, or clusters to make it meaningful.
Reflect on Verses
Find and journal several verses that relate to your word. Write each one on a journal card and add them to a pocket or frame them on your page.
Track Your Progress
Create a monthly reflection page to record how your Word of the Year has shown up in your life. Look for small victories, lessons, or areas of growth.
Make a Vision Board
Incorporate your word into a creative layout with images, verses, and prayers that inspire you. For example, if your word is “Abundance,” include imagery of harvests or overflowing baskets.
Memorize Scripture
Choose one verse related to your word each month and commit it to memory. Journal about how it changes your perspective.

If one of these (or another) stirs your heart, pray over it and seek a supporting Bible verse to anchor it. God is faithful—He will guide you as you seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

I’d love to hear what word the Lord gives you!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog post! May the words inspire and uplift all who read them. Your support and interest mean the world to me, and I’m grateful for every moment you spend here. Stay tuned for more, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!” Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace

November 25, 2025December 30, 2025

GOD IS SO GOOD – ALL THE TIME!

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

A few weeks ago, something (we still don’t know what) knocked all four of our beehives clean over. Stace and I went out in half bee suits to try to stand them back up, and… well, let’s just say the bees were NOT in a forgiving mood. We ran for our lives and left the hives lying on their sides like defeated soldiers.

The next weekend we came back prepared: full bee suits, gloves the whole deal. fully suited up, ready to set the heavy boxes upright. I’m so thankful Stace was there to help lift them. Of course, the bees were furious all over again. By the time we got to the very last hive we were absolutely covered (head-to-toe buzzing carpet of bees). When I bent down to grab the lid, the veil on my suit touched my chin for half a second, and yep—one determined little bee stung me right on the chin.

We finished the job by the grace of God, we went back to the storeroom like two sweaty marshmallows, and started peeling off our suits. That’s when things went sideways. I told Stace, “I don’t feel right; I need to sit down.” And then the world went black. Next thing I remember is Stace gently tapping my cheek saying my name over and over. I had passed out cold and face-planted on the concrete. He had already stabbed me with the EpiPen and was on the phone with 911.

Here’s what I want you to know: through every terrifying second, a supernatural peace flooded my soul. I couldn’t even feel fear. All I could do was pray silently, “Lord, hold me. Hold Stace. Don’t let him carry this alone.” And God answered with a calm that makes no earthly sense.

The ambulance ride was a first for me. Lights, sirens, IVs, monitors—the whole dramatic package. Stace followed right behind in the truck and called our youngest, Kristen, who spread the word to James and Jennifer.

I just kept smiling at the paramedics and whispering, “Thank You, Jesus. Thank You for every breath.” Stace followed the ambulance the whole way, white-knuckled but steady, because the same God who was carrying me was carrying him too.

At the ER they watched me like hawks, ran an MRI to make sure I hadn’t cracked my skull when I went down (thankfully all clear), and pumped me full of more meds.

Kristen and Matt came and sat with us. After several hours they said I was good to go home—just a severe allergic reaction doing what severe allergic reactions do.

I’m telling you all this because through every single second of it (the panic in Stace’s voice, the lights in the ambulance, waking up on the floor not knowing what happened)—I felt an unbelievable calm. I just kept whispering, “Lord, take care of me. Take care of Stace. Don’t let him worry.” And He did. He kept my heart steady when it had every reason to race, gave Stace clarity when he could’ve frozen, and brought me back home safe to tell the story.

God is good. All the time. Even when you’re lying on a storeroom floor covered in dust with a bee sting swelling your face. Especially then.

Thank you, Jesus, for every breath I’m still taking. And thank you, Stace, for being my hero that day.

(Also, note to self: order new bee suits with better veils. Immediately.)

Hours later the doctor sent me home with a clean bill of health and a brand-new respect for how fast life can turn. But more than that, they sent me home with a story I’ll tell for the rest of my days: When the enemy meant a single bee sting for destruction, God used it to show His power, His presence, and His overwhelming love.

I’m alive tonight because the Lord is faithful.

I’m breathing because He is merciful.

I’m still here to love my husband, hug my kids, and tend those crazy bees because my God is greater than any reaction, any fear, any close call.

If you’re reading this and you’re scared tonight – if life has knocked you flat and you can’t see how you’re going to get back up – hear me: The same God who caught me on a dusty storeroom floor is reaching for you right now.

He is good – all the time.

And all the time – He is good.

Psalms 100:5 “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generation”

Thank You, Jesus, for every heartbeat You’ve given me since that day. I will never stop praising You. And Stace, my hero, thank you for never letting go. I love you beyond words.

Never forget: God turns the sting into a story, and the story into glory.

Keep trusting Him. He’s writing yours too.

Your Attractive Heading

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Guided By Grace