SOAPS Journal

SOAPS is an acrostic for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer, and Share. We suggest that you utilize this as part of a Bible reading plan that covers about thirty chapters per week. There are links to a couple of Chronological reading plans on the You Version app that would cover a bit less than this. One nice thing about that app is that you have your choice of many different translations and you can opt to listen to the Bible if you would rather do that than read.

The SOAPS Journal app is set up so you can enter the passages you read or listened to and then enter notes on the SOAPS elements. We suggest selecting a small portion of the day’s overall reading for more focused examination. You can type out or copy and paste the verses you select (often one to four verses) in the Scripture section. In the Observation section you enter as summary of the main idea of the passage or perhaps paraphrase it. In the Application section you write about how the verses need to impact your life and any specific commitments you make in that regard. In the Prayer section, you write out a prayer related to this. In the Share section you note anyone that you feel you should share any of that day’s journal entry with. Finally, in the notes section you can mention anything about the entire day’s readings that seemed especially noteworthy or impactful.

You can use the search function to locate information from previous entries and export portions or all of your journal. The tags can be used to quickly locate various types of entries.

We suggest you process your entries weekly with an accountability partner. Every follower of Jesus will be held accountable, so every follower of Jesus should practice accountability with others. Jesus shared many stories of accountability and told us many truths of how we will be held responsible for what we do and say. So accountability groups are a natural expression of brothers and sisters walking together in truth and love. Accountability Groups are made up of two or three people of the same gender - men with men, women with women - who meet once a week to discuss a set of questions that help reveal areas where things are going right and other areas that need correction. They can even meet by phone if they’re unable to meet face-to-face.

Here is a potential list of questions you could process together when you meet:

How have your insights from last week’s reading shaped the way you think and live?

Who did you pass your insights from last week on to and how was it received?

How have you seen God at work?

Have you been a testimony this week to the greatness of Jesus Christ with both your words and actions?

Have you been exposed to sexually alluring material or allowed your mind to entertain inappropriate sexual thoughts?

Have you acknowledged God’s ownership in your use of money?

Have you coveted anything?

Have you hurt someone’s reputation or feelings by your words?

Have you been dishonest in word or action or exaggerated?

Have you given into an addictive [or lazy or undisciplined] behavior?

Have you been a slave to clothing, friends, work, or possessions?

Have you failed to forgive someone?

What worries or anxieties are you facing? Have you complained or grumbled?

Have you maintained a thankful heart?

Have you been honoring, understanding and generous in your important relationships?

What temptations in thought, word, or action have you faced and how did you respond?

How have you taken opportunities to serve or bless others, especially believers?

Have you seen specific answers to prayer?

Did you complete the reading for the week?