Whether you’re just getting started reading the Bible, or whether you’ve read it for many years, the REAP method may be helpful to you.
REAP stands for:
Read, Examine, Apply, Pray.
Rather than explain it in more detail, I’ll just let you download the REAP STUDY METHOD as it will explain itself. All you need is a Bible, a journal, and the Holy Spirit to guide you. If you’d like a simpler bookmark version for yourself or a group you’re leading, you can download that here (reap bookmark).*
For me, the main thing is having a regular time and place to sit down, ask Jesus to guide my time with Him (pray verses like 2 Tim. 3:16 and Hebrews 4:12 as found in section one), read, and pray what stands out. There are no rules about when to have this time each day – I know many Godly people who do this before bed, while others do it in the morning or even in the afternoon after work. With that said, I do like Psalm 5:3, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” So, assuming that time in the word will follow with prayer, I like this thought of laying my requests before God and waiting in expectation all day. Plus, I know for me if it doesn’t happen in the morning, the likelihood of it happening at all significantly decreases. Nonetheless, find what works for you and just go for it – there’s no rules with this.
I hope this resource is helpful and if you have any feedback, please let me know.
*I’m grateful for Sent church for developing this (we simply adapted it for a study we’re leading on James).
