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The REAP Bible Study Method

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I previously shared with you the SOAP Bible Study Method and Lectio Divina, so you know that I am a big fan of using various Bible study methods for those times when you’ve sit down to read your Bible and find your mind wandering before you even finish the chapter.. I can’t count the number of times I’ve read a passage only to realize I had no idea what I just read. Life is full, our brains are busy, and sometimes we simply need a simple, practical method to help us not just read God’s Word, but really soak it in.

That’s why I’ve learned to use various methods. Today, I’m going to share the REAP Bible Study Method with you. REAP stands for Read, Examine, Apply, Pray. I always do a REAP +Reflect method when I use it personally, because I find the reflection afterward helps cement what I’ve harvested. It’s a simple, flexible way to engage with Scripture whether you have five minutes before the kids wake up or a whole afternoon with a hot cup of coffee and a cozy blanket.

This method works beautifully for personal devotions, family Bible time, or even youth group studies. It doesn’t require special tools or a theological degree—just your Bible, a notebook (or journal), and a willing heart.

Why Use the REAP + Reflect Method?

The REAP + Reflect method helps you slow down and truly process what you read. It moves you from simply scanning words to letting them take root and bear fruit in your life. James reminds us:

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22 (NKJV)

It’s easy to read Scripture and forget it an hour later. But when we read with intention, examine its meaning, apply it personally, and pray through it, the Word becomes more than ink on a page—it becomes the living and active voice of God in our hearts.

Step 1: Read

The first step is as simple as it sounds: read the passage. Choose a section of Scripture—this could be a chapter, a few verses, or even just one verse—and read it slowly.

You might read it once to get the big picture, then read it again more slowly to notice details. If you’re working with your kids, read it aloud together, or have each person read it from their own Bible.

Tip: If you have the time, read the same passage in two or three different translations (NKJV, NLT, and ESV are great choices) to help you catch nuances you might miss otherwise.

For example, let’s take one of my favorite Psalms, Psalm 1:1-3:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

The first read helps you hear the whole message. The second or third read helps the words sink in.

Step 2: Examine

This is where you ask questions about the passage. What’s happening? Who is speaking? Who is being spoken to? What’s the main point? Is there a command to obey, a promise to believe, a sin to avoid, or an example to follow?

This step is about digging deeper. You might circle repeated words, underline phrases, or jot down notes in your journal.

If you’re reading Psalm 1:1-3, you might notice:

  • Three “nots” (walk, stand, sit in the wrong places)
  • One “delight” (God’s law)
  • The picture of a tree by water, producing fruit

You might ask:

  • What does “delighting in the law of the Lord” really look like in daily life?
  • How is meditating “day and night” possible in a busy schedule?
  • What does a “prospering” life mean in God’s eyes?

With kids and teens, keep the questions simple but thought-provoking. Try:

  • What stood out to you most in this passage?
  • What does God want us to do or not do here?
  • Why do you think God compares a person to a tree?

Step 3: Apply

This is where the rubber meets the road. What does this passage mean for you personally today?

Application moves beyond “that was nice” into “this is what I’m going to do.” It’s where you invite God’s truth to shape your thoughts, words, and actions.

For example, from Psalm 1:1-3, your application might be

  • I will be intentional about the voices I let influence me.
  • I will carve out time each day to read and think about Scripture.
  • I will trust that as I stay rooted in God’s Word, He will produce the right fruit in my life.

When you’re applying Scripture with children or teens, keep it practical. Ask:

  • What’s one thing you can do today to follow this verse?
  • Is there a habit you need to stop because of what we read?
  • How can you remind yourself of this truth tomorrow?

If you want to make it stick, write your application down and revisit it later in the week. See how God has been helping you live it out.

Step 4: Pray

Prayer seals the study. You’ve read God’s Word, examined its meaning, and thought about how to apply it. Now you bring it to Him.

Your prayer might be:

  • Thanking Him for the truth you read
  • Confessing where you’ve fallen short
  • Asking for strength to obey
  • Praising Him for His promises

Using Psalm 1 as an example:
“Lord, thank You for showing me that delighting in Your Word brings life and fruitfulness. Forgive me for letting other voices crowd out Your truth. Help me to be like a tree planted by streams of water—rooted in You and producing good fruit in every season. Amen.”

For younger kids, keep the prayer simple and short:
“God, help me love Your Word and follow it every day.”

Step 5: Reflect

Not everyone includes this step in the REAP method, but I do because it helps cement what I’ve gained from my time in God’s Word. Reflection gives you space to pause and look back at what you’ve just read, examined, applied, and prayed. It’s a moment to consider how the truth you’ve encountered connects to the bigger picture of your walk with Christ.

Sometimes I’ll jot down a sentence or two about what stood out most, or write a short summary in my own words. Other times, I’ll note how the passage ties into something I’ve been praying about, or how it reminds me of another Scripture. Reflection isn’t about doing more; it’s about letting the Word settle deeply in your heart so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of the day.

When you’re reflecting with kids or teens, you can ask simple questions like:

  • What did you learn about God today?
  • How does this passage make you feel?
  • What will you remember most from this study?

Taking that extra step of reflection helps move the study from just head knowledge to heart transformation. As Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (NLT) Reflection is one of the ways we tuck God’s Word into our hearts.

Tips for Using REAP in Personal Study

  1. Choose a Reading Plan
    It’s easier to REAP when you know where you’re going. Pick a Bible reading plan—through the whole Bible, a book at a time, or a topical plan.
  2. Use a Journal
    Writing helps you process and remember. Create sections in your journal for Read, Examine, Apply, Pray, and jot your thoughts each day.
  3. Don’t Rush
    Some days you might only get through a few verses. That’s okay. Depth matters more than speed.
  4. Pray Before You Start
    Ask God to open your heart and mind before you even read. Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” (NKJV)

Tips for Using REAP with Kids and Teens

  • Make it Interactive
    Use colored pencils or highlighters. Have them draw a picture of what the verse is saying.
  • Keep It Short
    Choose shorter passages for younger kids. With teens, you can tackle longer chapters.
  • Share Your Own REAP
    Let them see how you write down your thoughts and prayers.
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions
    This encourages them to think deeply and make personal connections.
  • Celebrate Consistency
    Focus on building the habit, not perfection.

Sample REAP for a Family Devotion

Let’s say you’re doing a short study on 2 Peter 1:3

Read:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Examine:

  • Who is giving? God, through His divine power.
  • What is given? Everything we need for life and godliness.
  • How is it given? Through our knowledge of Him.
  • Why? Because He called us by His glory and goodness.

Apply:

  • I don’t have to strive for what God has already given—I can rest in the truth that He has supplied what I need to live for Him.
  • When I feel inadequate, I’ll remind myself that His power is enough and that He’s already equipped me.

Pray:
“Lord, thank You that Your power gives me everything I need to live a godly life. Forgive me for the times I act like I’m lacking. Help me lean into what You’ve already provided through Jesus. Teach me to trust Your power, not my own.”

Reflection:
When I pause and think about this verse, I realize that when I feel like I’m missing something—whether it’s wisdom, patience, or strength – all I have to do is ask the Lord, because HE has given me EVERYTHING I need. This verse tells me I’m not missing anything essential for godliness. God has already given me everything I need through knowing Him. That’s freeing. I don’t have to compare myself to others or feel like I’m not enough. God’s power fills the gap. It makes me want to walk more confidently, knowing He’s already equipped me for today.

With kids or teens, you might ask:

  • What’s one thing you feel you need from God right now?
  • How does this verse remind you that He has already given you what you need?
  • How can you remind yourself of this truth when you feel like you’re not enough?

Why REAP Works for All Ages

The REAP method is flexible. You can make it as simple or in-depth as you want. For a preschooler, it might be reading one verse and asking one question. For a college student, it might mean digging into cross-references and original language. For you, it can fit into your life whether you’re a morning person with an hour to spare or a night owl squeezing in ten minutes before bed.

Resources to Help You Get Started

Here are some simple REAP Bible Study Journal printable pages that I created to help you dig into Scripture using the REAP method. They are perfect for for your own devotionals and simple enough for kids and teens to use as well.

…

SOAP vs REAP

As I mentioned recently, the SOAP Bible Study Method was the first Bible study method that I learned and I am very fond of it. If you’re thinking that SOAP and REAP look similar to each other, you’re correct! Both the SOAP and REAP methods are simple Bible study tools that help you interact with Scripture in a personal way, but they go about it a little differently. Here’s a side-by-side look at how they are similar and different.

How SOAP and REAP Are Similar

  • Focused on Scripture: Both start with actually reading the Bible text itself rather than commentary or outside material.
  • Personal Engagement: Each method encourages you to dig into God’s Word for yourself and listen to what He’s saying.
  • Application Driven: Both move you toward applying Scripture to your daily life, not just gathering head knowledge.
  • Prayer Included: Each ends in prayer, recognizing that Bible study is not just intellectual but relational.
  • Simple & Repeatable: Neither requires a theology degree—just a Bible, a notebook (or journal page), and a willing heart.

How SOAP and REAP Are Different

  • Structure:
    • SOAP is very structured and gives you a clear progression: write down the verse, note what you see, decide how it applies, and pray it back to God.
    • REAP is a bit more flexible and conversational. It emphasizes reading larger chunks, examining for context, then moving into application and prayer.
  • Depth of Reading:
    • SOAP often works well with a single verse or short passage because it centers on writing out Scripture and carefully observing details.
    • REAP typically invites you to read more broadly (a chapter or section) so you can grasp context before drilling into a specific application.
  • Observation vs. Examine:
    • In SOAP, “Observation” can feel more like looking closely at the words and details of the verse.
    • In REAP, “Examine” leans into asking bigger questions about meaning, context, and what the author intended.
  • Reflection Step (optional in REAP): Some people add a fifth step in REAP—Reflection—where they pause to think about what God has shown them. SOAP doesn’t usually include that as a separate step.
  • Use with Kids/Teens:
    • SOAP is great for helping younger kids slow down with one verse at a time and learn how to notice details.
    • REAP often works well with older kids or teens ready to engage more with context and big-picture themes.

A Quick Example

Let’s say you’re studying Philippians 4:6-7.

  • SOAP:
    • Scripture: Write out the verses.
    • Observation: Notice Paul says “in everything” and promises God’s peace.
    • Application: When I feel anxious, I need to choose prayer over worry.
    • Prayer: “Lord, help me bring my worries to You and trust You to guard my heart with peace.”
  • REAP:
    • Read: Read Philippians 4:1-9 to get the whole flow.
    • Examine: Paul urges believers to rejoice, be gentle, and not worry, but instead to pray with thanksgiving.
    • Apply: I will start writing down my worries this week and turn them into prayers with gratitude.
    • Pray: “Father, thank You that You care for me. Teach me to bring everything to You.”
    • (Optional Reflection): This reminds me how often I let little anxieties steal my peace—I want to practice surrender.

Just Between Us

At the end of the day, I don’t really care which Bible study method you choose. It’s my prayer that you develop Spiritual Disciplines including Bible study that help you meet with the living God through His Word. It’s about letting Him speak into your life and then responding with obedience, trust, and love.

That’s why I’m sharing a series on different Bible study methods. I plan to share several more.

With the REAP + Reflect method, when you read, examine, apply, pray, and take time to reflect, you’re not just learning about God—you’re drawing near to Him. Reflection gives you space to pause, look back at what He’s shown you, and let His truth sink a little deeper. That pause helps prevent the “close the Bible and forget it” problem we all face sometimes. It turns your time in the Word into a seed that grows roots.

The beauty of this method is that it fits into every season and stage of life. You can use it for your quiet time, family Bible study, or even guiding your teens. And by adding reflection, you create a rhythm of remembering what God is teaching you day by day.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8 (NKJV)

So grab your Bible, your journal, and maybe a cup of coffee. REAP the Word, and don’t forget to take that extra moment to reflect on the treasure God has given you.

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