New to reading the Bible? I have an easy method for you to follow that allows for a deeper study of the Word. These steps are available in a downloadable format too, at the end of this article. Simply put, you can follow a method called S.O.A.P. which is an acronym that stands for:

Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer

Keep reading to learn how to use this method in your own reading time.
But before you start, you need 3 keys to success!
1. The Holy Spirit – Invite Him to join you and ask Him to help you read and understand the Word. He is your Teacher.
2. Have a journal and a pen ready to write down prayers and insights.
3. The Word of God either in book form or using applications such as YouVersion. As a pro tip, I would also recommend an application called Blue Letter Bible, that will enable even deeper studying when you are ready.
Ok – lets get started!

STEP 1: SCRIPTURE

Choose a scripture or passage.

Through this article we will use Luke 11:2 as an example scripture “So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven. Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

• Read that scripture out loud at least 3 times.
• Write down the scripture in a journal.
• Highlight/circle any meaningful words, phrases, or scriptures that stand out to you. e.g. “Our Father”

Pro Tips: Start the exercise by inviting the Holy Spirit to come and teach you.

STEP 2: OBSERVATION

In this step, we observe the passage more closely and will ask ourselves some questions about it. This step is to enable you to get a more in-depth view of what you have just read. Here are some examples of questions to consider and journal:

• What is the overall message of the passage?
• Are there any commands or instructions?
• Are there any warnings or blessings?
• Are there additional scripture references it points to? Most online or paper bible versions will have some markings highlighting other relevant or similar verses.

Based on the scripture highlighted above of Luke 11:2, here is an example of an observation. We are encouraged to pray by starting from a place of relationship with God, which is Him as our Father. We don’t pray as those who don’t know Him or are orphans, but as sons and daughters of the Most High God and from a place of knowing and relationship.

Pro Tips: Read the same verse in different versions including the Amplified bible to get a fuller meaning of the verse.
Use tools such as Blue letter Bible or eSword or Logos to look up Hebrew and Greek meanings of the Word.
Identify when the Word was first used in Scripture. This is called principle of first use.

STEP 3: APPLICATION

Now ask the Holy Spirit how this verse can apply to your life, and reflect on the application of the verse. Some questions to consider and journal.

• Is the Word encouraging you?
• Is the Word calling you to change something in your life?
• Is there an attitude or mindset that needs to change?
• Do you need to memorize this verse? 
• How can you implement what you’ve read?
• What lessons can you take away from the passage?

Our application of the Luke 11:2 Scripture could take pages to fill, but for sake of a simple example, is it hard for you to acknowledge God as our Father? What image or emotion does it invoke based on the relationship we have had with our earthly father? Do you need to work on recognizing God as a good Father? Maybe reading some Psalms that talk about the goodness of God would be a take away?

Pro Tips: Journal and date your call to action.

STEP 4: PRAYER

• You may need to turn the Scripture directly into a prayer

• You may need to pray for a change based on the Scripture

Here is an example prayer from just that first sentence of what is commonly called the Lord’s Prayer:
“Father, I need you to help me grow deeper in my identity as your daughter/son. Holy Spirit, help me get a revelation of the goodness of my heavenly Father and heal me from any wounds I may have received from my earthly father…in Jesus name.”

Pro Tips: Start with thanking God for His revelation 
Ask Him for transformation based on these truths in your life.
Journal and date your prayer. Revisit it often and journal as you see God responding.

• As a final thought, just start reading the Bible.
• Not sure which version to read?
  Pick a version that speaks to you, especially as your first start out. NLT or NIV can be great options to begin with.
• Not sure where to begin reading?
  May I recommend the Gospel of John. It is the 4th book of the New Testament.

Would love to know if this has helped you going deeper in your study. Do you have questions as you read scripture? Feel free to leave a comment here or email me at HisWordOurVoice@gmail.com and find a local church community where you can grow in your relationship with Jesus.

You can download this short study and worksheet here.