S.O.A.P has changed my life!

What is S.O.A.P.? It stands for:
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer 

Reading the bible at times been difficult for me. I sometimes felt I should be getting something more out of it. Often times I would read some verses or a chapter and I was happy that I did, but it didn't seem to have the impact on me I was hoping it would. The S.O.A.P. method has changed everything. I now journal after I've read a passage and simply go through the list. First, I write down a Scripture that really seemed to speak to me. Then, I write my Observation about what I just read. Next, I write about how it Applies (Application) to my life. Then at the end, I write a Prayer. I only write between one to three sentences for each area so it doesn't take a lot of time, but what's been interesting is that I've gained so much more from my reading by journaling using the S.O.A.P. method. I now look forward to reading the bible which means I don't do it because I know I'm suppose to, I do it because I want to. Another tool that has helped me decide what to read is downloading a bible reading plan at http://www.zondervan.com/. It gives me direction and focus and takes away any uncertainty about what I should read next.

I really want to encourge any of you who are struggling with getting into the bible to try this for yourselves. Buy a notebook to journal in and download a reading plan! I promise it will change the way you read the bible.