Curious Psalms

On this episode, Dr. Libby Backfish returns to discuss Psalm 59 with Matt. Together, they talk about the repetition of the Psalm, the nature of God’s laughter, an unusual verse 11 that hints at a fundamental tension in our prayers. We hope you enjoy this discussion!

Nathan Giles joins Matt to talk about a challenging Psalm in Psalm 58. They discuss the “scream” of this Psalm, its shocking imagery and how we are supposed to think about and pray the imprecatory Psalms that call for judgment and curse the Psalmists’ enemies.

Amy Langle, Curious Psalms veteran, returns to discuss Psalm 57 with Matt. They explore how this psalm, set in a cave, teaches us to sing in the darkness, how it provides a beautiful example of trust and faith, how it pushes back on our inclinations to bargain with God, and a lot more. Plus, Matt shares some recent linguistic difficulties!

The Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams is back to talk about Psalm 56. In this episode, Kevin and Matt talk about the dire straits of the Psalmist, the ways this Psalm points out our need for a savior and how this Psalm (and so many of them!) invite us into a life of pilgrimage. They even talk a little about Christmas - enjoy!

In this special episode of Curious Psalms, the hosting duties are turned over to the students in Dr. Libby Backfish’s Psalms and Wisdom Literature class at William Jessup University. We hope you enjoy getting this glimpse of how our college-age friends listen and are shaped by the Psalms!

Luke Adams returns to the podcast to join Matt for an exploration of Psalm 54. They discuss some of the common themes we’ve seen in the Psalter, play with some of the turns of phrase within the Psalm and talk about the ways this Psalm can be a model for a lifetime of prayer.

For this episode, Stirling Marcum is our guest as she joins Matt for a conversation about Psalm 53. Together they explore the connections of this Psalm with the story of Nabal and Abigail, the ways the psalm forces us to look at our own foolishness as well as the grace in the Psalm of having eyes open to God’s ongoing work.

First-time guest Cheryl Maffei joins the podcast to discuss Psalm 52. Together, Matt and Cheryl discuss the contrasts in this Psalm, its invitation into a life of abiding in God as well as the comfort that we can take in God’s ultimate vindication and judgment. A small programming note: Beginning this week, we are moving to an every other week release schedule (listen to the very end for a brief explanation why).

Aaron Antoon is the guest for this episode about Psalm 51. Matt and Aaron discuss the context of this Psalm and its accessibility for us. They also consider how this psalm reminds us of God’s initiating work and his gift of a community that helps us pray as well as much more.

Grant Sork joins the podcast to discuss Psalm 50. Together, Matt and Grant talk about what makes this psalm unique, the ways it reminds us of God as the Creator Judge and particularly its invitation into an attentive listening to God. Enjoy the conversation!