Below is a format for Bible study, devotional reading, and journaling that you can use everyday.
REAP FORMAT
R: Read
E: Explore
A: Apply
P: Pray
REAP FORMAT
R: Read the day’s chapter/s from your Bible Reading Plan or devotional guide and identify the verse (or passage of verses) that stands out to you the most.
E: Explore the text and write your observations about the passage itself and the surrounding verses, background, and context of your chosen verse or passage.
A: Apply what you have learned. Ask yourself, “How will I live differently because of what I have just read and learned? What is the Holy Spirit highlighting?” Write down your responses and apply God’s Word to your life.
P: Pray or write out a prayer based on what you have read and learned. Pray it out.
EXAMPLE 1
Read:
Psalm 37:34, “Hope in the Lord & keep His way.”
Explore:
When hope is low or lost, the keeping of God’s way is compromised. But when hope is high, keeping His way is a top priority.
Applications:
•What are you hoping for in the Lord, from the Lord?
•What kills your hope?
Prayer:
Craft or write down a prayer based on what you’ve gleaned from your time in Scripture.
EXAMPLE 2
Read:
Luke 6:12, “Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray…”
Explore:
•It’s impossible to focus on prayer and to have an effective prayer-life without a willingness and isolate for a designated time.
•Prayer and decision-making go together, should go together.
Applications:
•Never make a major decision – personal or ministry – without prayer, a lot of prayer.
•What major decisions do I need to make this year?
Prayer:
Craft or write a prayer gleaned from your time in the Word.