S:SCRIPTURE O:OBSERVATION A:APPLICATION P:PRAY
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
Before you begin, pray. Thank God for His presence - for being there with you. Thank Him for the day, for the chance to live another day, for showing you the beauty of today, no matter what challenges you are facing. Ask Him to speak to your heart, to show you His love, and how to get closer to him.
PREPARATION
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
All you need is
1) a quiet, comfortable space
(I recommend outdoors, or next to a window)
2) your Bible, in any format; and
3) a journal and pen or pencil
4) an open heart
S: SCRIPTURE
O: OBSERVATION
O: OBSERVATION
As you are reading through the Bible, wherever you are, grab the scripture that jumps out at you or, if you're up for a challenge, the one that puzzles you. As you copy it into the the top of your page, think about it and pray about it. Ask God to show you what it really means.
O: OBSERVATION
O: OBSERVATION
O: OBSERVATION
Next, write down your reflections as they come to you. Whatever connection you can make to the scripture is valuable. Does it make you think of another related verse? What's the connection? Is there something really interesting or profound about it that you've never noticed before? Just write until you've got it all on paper.
A: APPLICATION
A: APPLICATION
A: APPLICATION
How can you connect the scripture to your life today? There is real power and potential for true change from reading the word only if we apply it. Try making a declaration that begins with "Today I will..." and make an effort to implement that scripture in whatever way God puts on your heart.
P: PRAYER
A: APPLICATION
A: APPLICATION
Now, make the things you have captured in your observations and application a matter of prayer. Ask the Lord for help with weaving it into your day in a way that changes you. Ask Him to show you new ways to apply it. Ask him to continue to speak to your heart as you continue to journal, and watch as it turns into real, meaningful dialogue between you and Him each day.