The HEART method: from hearing God's Word to doing it
SOAPaDay is a free, ad-free discipleship program from Faith Software, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds technology to help people draw closer to God.
HEART is one of four study methods you can choose each time you journal.
What the method is
HEART moves from hearing a passage to taking one specific step in response. It works especially well when you read a whole chapter.
You may see other versions of the HEART letters online. This page explains the version built into SOAPaDay: Hear, Examine, Analyze, Relate to Christ, Take Action.
The steps
Step 1 · H — Hear
Read the Scripture out loud
Read the passage aloud, slowly and attentively. Hearing the Word helps it sink in.
Step 2 · E — Examine
Observe the passage
Who are the main people? What happens, where, and when? What words or ideas repeat? Are there commands, promises, or questions?
In SOAPaDay you'll see: "Who are the main people? What events happen? Where and when? What words or ideas repeat? Are there commands, promises, or questions?"
Step 3 · A — Analyze
Understand the meaning
What does it mean in context? Look at the verses around it, compare it with other passages on the same topic, and pick one or two key words.
In SOAPaDay you'll see: "What does this passage mean in context? Look at surrounding verses. Compare with other Bible passages on the same topic. Pick 1–2 key words."
Step 4 · R — Relate to Christ
See Christ in the text
What does this show about God's character? How might it point to Jesus or the gospel story?
In SOAPaDay you'll see: "What does this chapter show about God's character? How might it point to Jesus or the gospel story? What spiritual truth is it teaching?"
Step 5 · T — Take Action
Respond with obedience
What is God saying to you today? Choose one specific thing to do this week because of this passage.
In SOAPaDay you'll see: "What is God saying to you today? What one specific action should you take this week because of this chapter?"
How SOAPaDay helps
- Guided prompts for each step of the method you choose
- Switch methods anytime — every journal entry remembers its method
- Highlight verses with your own color meanings
- Daily reminders, streaks, and your private journal history
- Turn HEART on in Reader settings → Reflection methods, then choose HEART when you select a verse.
Other methods
Why it's free
Faith Software, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 42-3505436). SOAPaDay is free and ad-free — cost should never stand between a believer and daily time in the Word.
See our financial transparency