Too often I tell myself “Girl, you need to read your bible. Just do it. It’s simple, open it and just read.” then end up not doing it. Or other times I would sit and think.. you know, I can read a chapter now.. and while I do actually pick it up sometimes and read, I never really get as much out of it or read as often as I really should, unless it’s in my devotionals or verse of the day in my email. I would read then do nothing else with the chapters and that was not enough. Anyone else out there like that? I’m pretty sure I’m not alone on this.. So then I would think okay I need to actually study the bible to be able to learn more about God in depth, how to live daily and even how to defend my faith. It’s vital for us Christians. We need to be equipped for anything that decides to come our way and try to drive us off course. I know I’m not the only one who slacks off.. I’m still working on it and getting better each time.  Anyways, I did some research and finally came up with a plan incorporating the SOAP Method and I thought I would share it with you guys. I call it the SSOIVAP [SOYVAP] Method. I know it’s a bit of a long acronym but please stay with me.

So let’s get into it then. SSOIVAP is really:

S- scripture, S- summary, O- observation, I- interpretation, V- verse(s) that stand out
A- application, P- prayer

1.  Read the specific scripture you want to focus on.

2.  Summarize what you have read. This helps you to know if you really understood what the passage was saying or at least got some of the content inside your head.

3.  Note what you can observe from the scripture. Observation is what is given at face value in the scripture, what you can actually see and sense without any added interpretation. Examples of what you may observe include: repetition, places, time, characters and their actions, conflict, literary style, etc.

4.  Note prominent verses. These are the verses that stand out to when you read or address a major point in the scripture.

5.  Explain/expound/analyze scripture. This is where meaning is added to what you read. What is the scripture really saying? What does it mean? What’s the whole theme? Why is it written the way it is written? What is the purpose of the observations I noted? You can research, ask questions, watch YouTube videos and write down what you understand from the passage as well as what it really means to you personally.

6.  Come up with ways or find tips to help you live out what you learn.

7.  Bible study and prayer are connected. Before beginning bible study pray for guidance and pray that you will interpret scripture the way God wants you to so that you will not be misled because it really is easy to be misled.  After bible study, ask God to give you the discipline and determination to apply what you’ve learnt and to carry out His purpose for your life as well as to even use you to draw others closer to Christ, through studying the word.

That’s it guys. My SOYVAP Method. You can use the regular SOAP Method or whichever method works best for you or maybe SOYVAP… ;) As long as you get to studying God’s word, building up your armour to stand against the devil’s schemes. Keep praying and keep growing beautiful people :)

^"17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
                                                                                                       Ephesians 6:17-18

• – – Jamie ~