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S.O.A.P. - a method in spiritual journaling
Scripture
Observation (What does it say?)
Application (What does it say to me?)
Prayer
S - Ephesians 2:13 “ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”
O - God made the move to bring me to a place of reconciliation through the death and resurrection of His Son.
A - This is the message of Easter. What a place of privilege, as believers, we have been given! God went to great lengths to include us in His family. We were dead with no hope…"But…God…made us alive.” v.4. “But…you have been brought near.” v.13. I really cannot comprehend the depth of God’s love, mercy and compassion for me, but I am and will be eternally grateful! To reflect on this wonderful truth makes me more aware that with great privilege comes great responsibility. “To whom much is given, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48 b) As His child and “member of God’s household” v.19, I cannot sit back in luxury and leisure while so many others around me are still dead in their sins - separated from God and His family. God’s desire is that none should perish but all come to repentance and have eternal life as members of His family.
Each new day lies before me full of opportunities to see and hear the needs of others and to reach out with God’s love and compassion. I can’t change the world but through God’s grace and with the power of His Spirit I can change my world and touch those in it.
P - Help me, Father, to be more keenly aware of who I am in Christ today. Remind me of how dead I was before you made me alive in Christ. Help me to see those around me, in my neighbourhood, among my acquaintances, friends and the people I come in contact with in public places, as people you love and died for, just like me. During this Easter season when hearts are more open as the holiday is celebrated, help me to lead, point and direct them to the cross, to the Giver of life and the lover of our souls.