The REAP Bible Study Method (With Free PDF Template)

Learn how the REAP Bible study method works with a real scripture example you can try today.

Welcome back to my ongoing series on bible study methods! We’ve covered quite a few together now – SOAP, WORD, SUNSHINE, the Inductive method, and most recently HEAR.

Today I’m excited to share another simple but powerful method: the REAP Bible study method! If you liked HEAR, you’re going to love this one too. They’re cousins in the bible study world!

The REAP method gives you a slightly different lens to look through. It’s great for people who want to dig a little deeper without feeling overwhelmed. And like all the methods we’ve talked about, it works for beginners and longtime readers alike.

Let’s break it down.

What is the REAP Bible Study Method?

So what exactly is the REAP bible study method? Just like HEAR, it’s an acronym. Each letter guides you through one simple step. Here’s the REAP method of Bible study broken out:

R = Read
E = Examine
A = Apply
P = Pray

Yep, that’s it! Four steps. Read the passage, examine what it means, apply it to your life, and then pray it through. The REAP method is simple and straightforward but leaves room for some real depth.

Why Try the REAP Method?

I love the REAP approach because it flows so naturally. Reading comes first, obviously. Then you examine and dig deeper. Apply makes it personal. And praying wraps everything up in a conversation with God.

It’s also perfect if you enjoy structure, which is why I’ve created a printable REAP Bible study template (which you can download near the end of this post) to help keep your thoughts organized. Alternatively, you can also create your own template in your journal or notebook.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to The REAP Bible Study Method

Let’s walk through each part of how the REAP Bible study method works. Grab your Bible, a pen, and something to write on.

R: READ the Passage

Start by reading your chosen passage slowly. Maybe read it twice. The first time, just take it in. The second time, pay attention to what stands out. Don’t rush this part. Try reading it out loud – hearing the words can make them land differently. Write it down.

E: EXAMINE What It Means

Now it’s time to look closer. Ask yourself some simple questions: What’s the main point here? Who was the original audience? What would this have meant to them? Why do you think this was included in the Bible?

You don’t need to be a Bible scholar. Just think it through. If something’s confusing, make a note to come back to it later.

A: APPLY It to Your Life

Here’s where it gets personal. Ask yourself: What does this mean for me today? Is there something I need to change? A promise I need to hold onto? A command I need to follow?

Be honest here. Is there anything that challenges you in the scripture? If something makes you feel uneasy, examine why that might be. For example, is there a sin, habit, or attitude that needs to be removed from your life.

P: PRAY It Back to God

Finally, turn what you’ve learned into a prayer. Talk to God about what you just read. Thank Him. Ask for help. Commit to what you feel He’s showing you.

If you enjoy this REAP method guide, please pin it so others can find it too!

A Full REAP Bible Study Example (With Real Scripture)

Let’s try this with an actual verse so you can see how it flows. We’ll use Matthew 11:28-30.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Here’s what a REAP Bible study example journal entry might look like:

R: READ
I read this slowly twice. The words “weary,” “burdened,” and “rest” really jumped out. Jesus is directly inviting people who are tired and struggling.

E: EXAMINE
Jesus is talking to the crowd, probably including regular people who felt weighed down by life and religious rules. A yoke was a wooden frame for oxen – so “take my yoke” means partnering with Him and learning to work with Him. He’s offering a different kind of rest, not just physical but soul-deep.

A: APPLY
I’ve been exhausted lately with work stress, family stuff, just life. I keep pushing through on my own. This verse reminds me that I need to stop doing that. I need to actually come to Jesus with my tiredness instead of just complaining about it. I will try to consciously hand over one specific worry today instead of carrying it myself.

P: PRAY
“Jesus, I’m tired. I’ve been carrying a lot and honestly forgot You invited me to hand it over. Today I give You my worry about [specific situation]. Help me learn from You how to carry things differently. Thank You for being gentle with me. I really need that rest You promise.”

REAP Bible Study Method Example - Matthew 11:28-30 — REAP Bible Study Method Example – Matthew 11:28-30

Your Free REAP Bible Study Method Template

If you’re the type of person who loves having a guide, then you’re in luck! I’ve created a REAP Bible study method PDF that you can download and use right away.