SOAP program is as simple as this. You receive a verse of scripture via a text message on your mobile phone.
A psalm. "10. Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help. 11. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12. that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever."
"22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Our SOAP messages are mainly drawn from the Uniting Church of Australia Lectionary readings each week. Translation version here is usually NIV.
These weekly verses from the bible are collated and sent by a congregation member for the SOAP program – feel free to share them with others!
S stands for scripture…
you take the time to read the verse…allowing God to speak to you.
O stands for observation .
What sticks your attention as you read that verse…. what is God actually trying to say to you as an individual/? You may ask the Holy Spirit to teach you, you may paraphrase the verse writing it down in your own words in a journal or just keeping it in your heart.
A stands for Application.
The next step is asking yourself what this actually means to you and how does this verse apply to you right now. Perhaps it is encouragement, instruction, revelation or a new promise for your life or the life of someone close to you. Perhaps it gives guidance and correction in an area of your life that troubles you.
P stands for prayer…
Prayer can be as simple as asking God to help you use the scripture in your life, or it may be a greater insight into what He is already revealing to you. Remember prayer is a two way conversation and you must be sure to listen to what God is saying to you. Then perhaps you will have an opportunity to pass that simple scripture text message onto someone else.