Start the Day with SOAP

Quiet Time Helps #3

 

If you missed SOAP Part 1or 2 you might want to go back to that first.   We are just spending some time this week getting a game plan together to spend with God.  How do I spend time with God?  Why is it important?  I don’t understand the Bible.  I do not know how to pray.

 

That is ok.  These few days will not answer all those questions, but it is a start.  The important thing is NOT to let your questions prevent you from spending time with God, who loves you like crazy!

 

We laid out a game plan on spending time with the Father.  It goes with the acrostic, SOAP.  Take a look!

 

Scripture.  Choose the passage.  Have a plan, don’t make it a random passage in the Bible.

Observation.  What does the passage say?  What is difficult to understand?  What does it say to me?

Application.  How do I apply these verses?  Is there something to give God thanks for?

Is there is a sin to avoid?

Prayer.  Simply end your time with God talking with Him.

 

1. Scripture. Keep it simple.  The S, Scripture, is Matthew 6:5, 7, The Message.

And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production…All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom!  Do you think God sits in a box seat?  This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.”

 

1. Observation. Think about what the verse says.  What instruction does it give?   If you have a journal or notebook, write down some thoughts.

 

1.   How do I need to apply these verses?  Is there something I need to do?  Is there a sin I need to confess?  Is there a promise from God to claim?  According to the verse, how can I become a stronger follower of Jesus?

This is what we talked about on #2.

 

S  Is there a sin for me to confess?

1. is there a promise for me to claim?
2. Is there an attitude for me to change?
3. Is there a command for me to obey?
4. Is there an example for me to follow?

 

Take a few minutes to ask these questions about these verses.

 

Finally,

 

1. Prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God.  Be real and genuine with Him.  He can even handle it if you are mad at Him.  Go ahead and tell Him all you are feeling.  And be still and listen to Him.

 

I want to give you one more simple way to remember this.  C.H.A.T.

 

Confess

True confession is agreeing with God about your sin.  It includes repentance, doing a 180 from your sin.  Repentance is not just being sorry for being caught, but sorry for breaking the heart of God.  Examine your heart. Admit your faults.  Be teachable.

 

Honor

 

Honor God by praising Him for who He is.  You can do this by reading verse of praise or singing a song to God.

 

Ask

 

Ask God for your needs.  Praying for your own needs, both daily and crisis needs.  Also, pray for the needs of others.  Be specific!

 

Thank

 

Express gratitude for God has done!  Write it down so you can remember how God has answered your prayers!

 

 

Now you try it on your own!  Talk to God.  Look at the ingredients above.  Not every prayer has to include all the ingredients.  Just remember, be honest.  Don’t try to sound religious or churchy.  Just be real as you talk to God.