HMCC Journaling

Journaling

Devotion in Motion

Some call it journaling; others call it devotionals. Whatever you call it, a common way of getting to really know the Bible is to read according to a schedule and record observations as they strike you. The first devotionals were written on papyrus thousands of years ago; today, you may use a computer or a pen and paper, but be confident that you're maintaining a tradition that will better your life.

At HMCC, we journal using a method called SOAP. Our typical reading schedule will consist of a selection from the New Testament and one or two from the Old Testament. The key is to keep the reading bite-size, and for those starting out it may be a good idea to use only one of the selections and focus on that. From this reading, we fill out a journal entry using the following structure. A sample journal entry is provided here.

Scripture

Once the reading is done, there's usually a phrase, a sentence, a paragraph, that has stood out either because it relates to your life situation or it makes you think a bit harder about the rest of the passage. This is the first entry in the journal for the current day.

Observation

This next step is where you record your interpretation of the scripture. What does it say? What does it mean? Your interpretation may change next time you read it, and it may not be the way other people see it, but it's a part of your growth and is important.

Application

Here's where you explain why the scripture stuck in your mind, and how you can apply it to your own life.

Prayer

Talk to God! Ultimately, he's the one that made this scripture stick with you this day, and he wants to hear from you. Write your prayer down and say it aloud!

That's it!