We find throughout the Bible that God is calling us to know Him in a personal way. How is that done? Most of us have learned about God as if we were studying for a test, but the Bible tells us that’s not what God intended. God’s invitation, in the very beginning, was to know him and to walk with him. It still is today. God wants to be close to us.

We get to know others and let ourselves become known, but with God we tend to complicate it. Relationships are built on conversations and experiences. We reveal ourselves to each other by sharing stories, thoughts and dreams. With God, it should be no different.
The SOAP method is a way to process God’s revelation of Himself and to help us make ourselves more available to Him. The process  isn’t the right way or the only way. It is a simple way, meant to move us toward the closeness and friendship that God wants with us. 

Find a Bible reading plan that works for you.  Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your joural.

What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.

Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or correction for an area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.

This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.