This is a simple tool to help you study the Bible. There are many different acronyms out there you can use, and they all share the fundamental components. So, PROAPT is by no means the only way to study the Bible, it's a great tool to have in your tool belt. Think of it as your Chick-fil-A in the Union. Its that spot you can always go to and get a reliable meal. Nothing fancy, but definitely reliable.
In Chi Alpha, we call quiet time with God 'BINTO'. Meaning Built In Not Tacked On time with God. We build it into out schedules as a priority, rather than tacking it on at the end of the day when it's convenient. Here's how you start your BINTO time...
P - Pray
Start off your time focusing on God. Clearing your mind from distractions and pressing concerns. Spend time praising God, casting your cares unto Him, and aligning your heart with him. If you're looking for a prayer guide, check out the How To Pray Resource!
R- Read
Pick a portion of scripture to read. The easiest thing to do is pick a book of the Bible and go chapter by chapter. Each day you simply pick up where you left off. So if you read chapter 1 of a book of the bible today, then tomorrow read chapter 2, and the next day chapter 3, and so on. There is no concrete rule that says you have to read a chapter, its just a good starting point. If one section is really hitting you, stop there and do the rest of PROAPT with that one section. Or, if after a chapter you're intrigued and want to keep going, then keep going. Like I said, a chapter is simply a good starting point.
O - Observe
Take some time to understand what just happened in the scripture you read. If the scripture is part of a story, what happened in the story? What happened before in the story that led to this moment? If the scripture is poetry, what is the point the author is trying to communicate? Is there anything they are emphasizing? The Observe portion of PROAPT is simply trying to understand what happened in the scripture you just read.
A - Apply
After observing what you just read, ask yourself, "how does this apply to my life?" This could be a more physical or tangible thing such as forgiving someone, or changing a behavior, or giving someone something. Or it could be an emotion or trauma to process. It could be whatever God impresses on your heart or mind after reading His word.
P - Pray
We end with how we began, by prayer! Pray over what God revealed to you during your BINTO time, and praise Him as you did in the beginning. If you're looking for a good prayer guide, check out the Lord's Prayer Guide in the Resources section.