Curious Psalms

Dr. Kevin Adams is back on the podcast, joining Matt to talk about one of his long-time favorite Psalms - Psalm 93. They explore the contrast of images between God and the sea and the way this Psalm calls us further into a celebration of God’s kingship. Plus, hear some reflections on how this Psalm models a relational and conversational way of prayer.

Cheryl Edwards joins Matt to discuss Psalm 92, a psalm of praise. Picking up on imagery from the very beginning of the Psalter, Matt and Cheryl discuss how this Psalm shows us the wonder of God's works and thoughts, and the good news that he is our rock and can handle our most honest prayers.

It’s another special episode of Curious Psalms where the hosting duties are turned over to the students in Dr. Libby Backfish’s Psalms and Wisdom Literature class at William Jessup University. Enjoy this peak into how our college-age friends listen and are shaped by the Psalms!

Rick Hodkin joins Matt to discuss Psalm 90, as we enter Book IV of the Psalms. This Psalm takes seriously the challenges of life and Matt and Rick discuss what it means that God is bigger than us, how we pray in light of our own mortality and the ways the psalm helps lead us further into praying with our whole selves. 

Zach Tedrow and Matt continue their conversation about Psalm 89. In this part they reflect on the messianic significance of the Psalm, the ways it brings together God’s power and character and the invitation to a prayer life that is complex, even praying two different things at once. Enjoy this conversation!

Zach Tedrow returns for an extended conversation about Psalm 89. In this first part, Matt and Zach discuss a wide range of elements in this Psalm, focusing on the covenant promises of God and the contrast with the Psalmist’s wrestling with this at the Psalm’s conclusion. They also discuss the complexity of the Bible, how authenticity fits with prayer and much more. Look for part 2 of the conversation coming in a couple of weeks.

Psalm 88 ends with darkness, so Matt knew he needed help and the Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams helped in a big way. In this conversation, they explore how darkness is for insiders, the way this Psalm gifts us words and a prayer in the midst of darkness and how the ambiguity of the circumstances makes this a universal prayer, one that Jesus himself prayed. We hope this is conversation is an encouragement and gift to you.

Amy Langle is back for this conversation about a shorter Psalm in Psalm 87. She and Matt discuss the ways God can bring beauty out of the ruin and his endlessly reaching out not only to his people but to all the nations as he seeks to bring them in. 

For Psalm 86, Matt gets to have a conversation with David Narita as they explore this “Wednesday afternoon Psalm.” Together they talk about joy, the gift of God revealing himself to us as compassionate and the idea of an ongoing life of prayer. 

Jana Dykhuis returns to the podcast to talk about Psalm 85 with its vision of God’s shalom and an invitation to reflect on his unfailing love. Matt and Jana discuss how the Psalm calls us to pray in an embodied reality and wonder about a rarer way of describing God (they’re curious!). Enjoy this conversation.