In this episode of The Psalmcast with Pr. Ollie Bergh, we explore Psalm 8 — a hymn of awe at God’s majesty in creation and the mystery of what it means to be human. Pr. Ollie wrestles with Martin Luther’s rich yet sometimes surprising interpretation of the psalm, asking how it reveals both the Creator’s transcendence and the grace that fills all creation. From the cries of infants to the grandeur of the stars, Psalm 8 shows how God’s revealed name — the name that saves — fills the world with glory. Along the way, we’ll touch on themes of natural and special revelation, the dignity of humanity, and how baptism recreates us in Christ, the New Adam. Join us as we marvel together: “O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

Psalm 2 is one of the most important psalms in the entire Psalter—royal, prophetic, and deeply complex. It speaks of God’s anointed king on Mount Zion, a promise of protection for Israel, and a foreshadowing of the Messiah. But it also contains troubling language about wrath, power, and violence that challenges our modern understanding of God. In this episode of The Psalmcast, we explore Psalm 2 as both history and eschatology, trace its connections to Psalm 1 and the Davidic covenant, and see how the New Testament reads it as pointing to Christ. Most importantly, we learn how Psalm 2 invites us to pray with boldness—to laugh with God at evil and to take refuge in Christ, the King set on Zion’s holy hill.

What kind of person gets to dwell in the presence of God? In this episode of The Psalmcast, Pastor Ollie Bergh guides us through the instructive and deeply practical wisdom of Psalm 15—a “terms and conditions” kind of psalm that calls us into deeper spiritual maturity, not through perfection, but through faith and transformation. From watching our tongues to keeping our promises, even when it hurts, this psalm invites us not just into God’s temple—but into becoming temples ourselves. Visit psalms.blog to learn more and stay connected.

In this episode of The Psalmcast, Pastor Ollie Bergh invites us into the rich spiritual depths of Psalm 16—a mysterious "miktam" of David that leads us to trust in God as our refuge, our portion, and our joy. With theological insight and personal reflection, we explore how this psalm calls us to recognize God as our all in all, to abandon the false gods that vie for our loyalty, and to embrace the resurrection hope promised to God’s “favored ones.” Whether you're new to praying the Psalms or longing to deepen your life of prayer, this conversation will help you see the living God at work in the good around you—and remind you to drink from the cup that God alone gives.

In this special episode of The Psalmcast, Pastor Ollie Bergh steps back from the usual format of diving into a single psalm to reflect more broadly on the heart of the podcast: learning to pray through the Psalms. Rather than approaching the Psalms as passive readings, Pastor Ollie introduces a practical and spiritually rich method of dialogical prayer — a conversation with God that draws from both the monastic tradition of Lectio Divina and Martin Luther’s distinct approach to Scripture.

Using the shortest psalm in the Bible, Psalm 117, as a framework, Pastor Ollie walks listeners through five steps of praying with the Bible: Pray, Read, Chew, Talk, and Wrestle. This episode invites you to slow down, notice what you notice, and engage Scripture not as a study exercise but as a living conversation — with all its personal challenges, encouragements, and revelations. Whether you’re feeling grounded or uneasy, deeply spiritual or spiritually dry, this episode provides a thoughtful, accessible approach to help enrich your prayer life through God’s Word.

Join us as we explore what it means to praise, how to listen for God’s voice, and why the ancient prayers of Israel still shape our faith today.

In this 15th episode of The Psalmcast, Pastor Ollie Bergh reflects on one of Scripture’s most cherished and familiar passages: Psalm 23. With insight, warmth, and a touch of humor, he unpacks what it means to live with God as our Shepherd—offering not only protection and provision, but also companionship in our darkest valleys and transformation through love, even in the presence of our enemies. This episode explores how Psalm 23 shapes a life of prayer rooted in dependence, gratitude, and trust, reminding us that God’s goodness and faithful love are always in pursuit, drawing us ever deeper into life with Christ.

In this episode of The Psalmcast, join Pastor Ollie as we dive into Psalm 46, a powerful reminder that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. Exploring its themes of divine protection and peace, we reflect on how this psalm inspired Luther’s hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, and how it continues to speak to us today. We also touch on how the psalm’s imagery of a mighty fortress points to God’s defense of His people in the midst of chaos, both in ancient Israel and in the modern world, and how we are called to find refuge in Him.

As we unpack this psalm, we connect it to the presence of God in the city of Jerusalem and ultimately to Jesus, our new temple and refuge. We explore the famous line, “Be still and know that I am God,” in its true context of surrender and trust in God’s sovereignty, and how it invites us to find peace in the midst of life’s battles. Join me for a reflective exploration of Psalm 46 and its timeless message of confidence in God's protection.

Make sure to check out Mainstreet Lutherans at mainstreetlutherans.com, where Keith and Ben and Ollie discuss the Divine Offices/Daily Prayer.

In this episode of The Psalmcast with Pastor Ollie Bergh, we dive into the powerful message of Psalm 126, a quintessential "Psalm of Ascent." Pastor Ollie explores how this psalm, sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, reflects on the joy and restoration of God's people after exile. He uncovers the deep connection between the return from Babylonian captivity and our own spiritual journey, emphasizing God's promise of restoration, whether past, present, or future. Through rich imagery like the waters of the Negeb and the hope of resurrection, Pastor Ollie helps us understand how Psalm 126 invites us to join in God’s narrative of exile and return, experiencing both sorrow and joy as we await ultimate redemption. Tune in for an insightful reflection on prayer, prophecy, and the profound hope that defines the Christian faith.

Find out more at our website, psalms.blog

In this episode of The Psalmcast with Pr. Ollie Bergh, we explore the rich theology of Psalm 51, a powerful penitential psalm that speaks to sin, repentance, and grace. Pr. Ollie reflects on the challenge of fully grasping its depth, drawing on Martin Luther's insights and highlighting how sin is not just a label of shame but a reality that can only be understood through God's grace. As we walk through the psalm, Pr. Ollie emphasizes the themes of law and grace, focusing on David's appeal to God’s steadfast love and his plea for not only forgiveness but transformation. The episode dives into the profound introspection of acknowledging that all sin is ultimately against God, the need for a "new and right spirit," and the importance of embracing a life of transformation through God’s grace. Psalm 51 invites us to not only seek personal restoration but to become agents of reconciliation, sharing God’s deliverance and grace with the world.

Find out more at psalms.blog

In this episode of The Psalmcast with Pastor Ollie Bergh, we dive deep into Psalm 19, a poetic masterpiece that reveals the glory of God through creation and His Word. Pastor Ollie unpacks the psalm’s rich imagery, from the heavens declaring God’s handiwork to the perfection of His law that revives the soul.

Join us as we reflect on the psalmist’s awe for God’s majesty, explore the connection between nature and divine revelation, and consider how Psalm 19 speaks to our modern lives. Whether you’re new to the psalms or a seasoned reader, this episode will leave you inspired to seek God’s presence in every corner of creation.

Tune in for an uplifting discussion filled with biblical insight, practical applications, and Pastor Ollie’s signature warmth and wisdom!