Curious Psalms: Recent Episodes
Curious Psalms
A podcast where we practice reading and praying the Psalms, the prayerbook of God’s people. Featuring our friends at Granite Springs Church.
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.
In this episode, the Rev. Dr. Kevin Adams returns to discuss the beauty of Psalm 84. He and Matt talk about the beautiful orientation of the Psalm towards the love of God and how this psalm gives us a poetic and personal way to keep the 1st commandment (in Kevin’s words!). Enjoy this exploration of Psalm 84!
For this discussion of Psalm 83, we welcome Zach Tedrow for the first time. Zach offers a close read of the Psalm that reorients the conversation toward the possibilities of grace while still inviting us into complete honesty before God when it comes to our enemies. Enjoy this dive into Psalm 83!
In this episode, Rachel Timms joins Matt to discuss the strange world of Psalm 82. They explore who the “gods” are, who is talking at different parts in this Psalm, but more importantly discuss what it means for God to sit in judgment of powerful spiritual beings and how that might be a comfort to us. We hope this conversation is a helpful on-ramp to this Psalm!
Amy Langle returns for another conversation, this time about Psalm 81. Together, they discuss what it means to hear tones of God’s disappointment, the festival setting of this Psalm and how these words, spoken by God, can help us think about prayer. There’s even a poor fourth of July analogy - enjoy this conversation!
On this episode, Aaron Antoon joins Matt for a conversation about Psalm 80. They explore the rich imagery of the psalm and the way it deepens some of the lament, the ways the psalm gets specific about who it is addressing and how its boldness might serve as a model for our prayer. Plus, they cram a whole lot more into this short conversation - enjoy!
We’re back with our regularly scheduled programming as Joan Curry returns to discuss Psalm 79 with Matt. Together, they discuss the ways the whole Bible helps us understand the cries of this Psalm, its invitation to trust and rely on God as our foundation, and how it might move us out of an overly individualistic understanding of prayer. Enjoy this conversation!
For this special episode, Matt shares a couple of psalms that are a part of the Christmas lectionary and invites listeners to have some moments of reflection about the good news of Christmas in light of them. We’re praying the Psalms together!
Opening music: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairies - Tchaikovsky https://youtu.be/v57C_I1r5U4
Dr. Libby Backfish returns for the second part of her conversation with Matt about Psalm 78. If you haven’t listened to part 1, that’s a great place to start but then listen to this episode as Matt and Libby discuss the rhythms of this Psalm, the ways it shows God using both judgment and mercy to call his people back to himself and how we might think about praying our own stories.
Dr. Libby Backfish is back for a new experiment in Curious Psalms - having an extended conversation in two parts. In this, Part 1, of her conversation with Matt about Psalm 78, they discuss the movements between faithfulness and unfaithfulness, the relationship between knowing and obeying God, some details about the timing of the end of the Psalm and much more. Enjoy Part 1, and look for Part 2 of this conversation coming out in a couple of weeks!
Jana Dykhuis is back on the podcast to talk with Matt about Psalm 77. They explore the inner dialogue of this Psalm, the ways it invites us to lean on a larger perspective of God and his actions in times of distress as well as how we might think about resolution as a goal (or not) of prayer. Enjoy this conversation!
Olivia Giles joins Matt again to talk about Psalm 76 and its reflections on God’s wrath. They discuss the ways that this Psalm calls us to trust God and his goodness, how a proper fear of God goes hand in hand with gratitude and the gift of naming and recognizing God’s anger. Enjoy this conversation!
Amy Langle returns for a fascinating conversation about praising God for his judgment as she and Matt explore Psalm 75. They talk about the ways judgment is portrayed positively in this Psalm and what it means to trust in God’s timing and his sense of equity. And of course, there are some laughs along the way - enjoy!
Grant Sork is back to wrestle with Psalm 74 together with Matt. In this conversation they talk about the way it develops some of the themes of Psalm 73, the absence of God in this Psalm and its invitation to us to call God to keep his promises. It’s a fascinating conversation exploring a challenging Psalm, we hope you enjoy it.
The Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams returns to explore Psalm 73 with Matt. They discuss the ways this personal Psalm provides space for our doubts reminding us that God invites us to explore those doubts within covenant with him and his people. We hope this is a helpful conversation exploring what it means to pay attention to our world and bring what we see to God. Plus, hear the new theme for Book 3 (thanks to Aaron Antoon for composing it).
Jana Dykhuis joins the podcast for the first time to discuss Psalm 72 with Matt. In this conversation, they talk about the ways this psalm fires our holy imagination, giving us hope and images for God’s Kingdom. As we conclude Book 2 of the Psalms, they also discuss the ways God in Jesus uniquely fulfills these hopes for a King.
Matt is joined once again by Dr. Libby Backfish to talk about Psalm 71. In this episode, they discuss the way age plays a role in this Psalm, the many metaphors that undergird the Psalmist’s trust in God and unpack a couple of fascinating phrases. We hope this episode encourages some of your own introspection and reflection on the faithfulness of God!
In this episode, Matt is joined by Nathan Giles to discuss all five verses of Psalm 70. In such a short Psalm they still have plenty to talk about as they explore the urgency of the Psalm, the formative power of prayer and how this Psalm can help us pray for ourselves as well as others. Enjoy this conversation.
In a special return appearance, Reverend Kyu Hahn joins Matt for a conversation about Psalm 69. Together, they explore the differences between David’s response to persecution and Jesus’s, what it means for God to be attentive in the midst of silence and the invitation to give our prayers space to breathe and develop. Plus a lot more! Enjoy this conversation.
Rachel Timms is back on the podcast to talk about Psalm 68. Matt and Rachel discuss the “gusto” and triumphant confidence of the psalm, the kinds of people God leads and rescues and how this Psalm points us to collective experiences of God’s goodness. Plus, some brief parenting reflections at the end!
In this episode, Grant Sork returns for a conversation about Psalm 67. Matt and Grant discuss the plea that is a part of requesting God’s blessing and the way that that can help us pray for our neighbor. They also explore the ways that this Psalm helps us think about God choosing people and the prayerful questions we might want to ask coming out of this psalm. We hope you enjoy this conversation!
A programming note: Due to summer schedules and vacation, we’ll be taking a couple of weeks off, returning in July.
In this episode, Rev. Dr. Kevin Adams joins Matt to talk about Psalm 66. They discuss the placement of the Psalm, the relationship between abundance and discipline and how we might imaginatively enter the reality that we are always praying in community. All while in a very warm room - they are committed! Enjoy this conversation.
On this episode, Amy Langle returns to explore Psalm 65 with Matt. This Psalm leads them to some fascinating conversations about confidence in God and the challenge of many of the Psalms’ emphasis on physical blessings. It’s a far-ranging conversation, but we trust you’ll enjoy hearing two people thinking out loud.
On this episode, Dolly Leedy returns to join Matt in discussing (more) enemies in Psalm 64. They talk about the way we see our own world in the Psalm, how we might see ourselves in the enemy and how the polarity of the Psalms encourages us to pray for God's help in becoming righteous. And that's just a taste of the conversation - enjoy this episode!
In this episode, Matt reads through a series of Psalms often associated with Holy Week and Easter, providing prompts for prayer and reflection along the way. In other words, you're invited to join us in not only reading and thinking about the Psalms, but praying them.
Praying you have a rich and meaningful Holy Week.
On this episode, Dave Roylance joins the fun as he and Matt discuss Psalm 63. They talk about this “foxhole prayer” and its unique, even love-poem-like tendencies, the ways God is seen as one who is constant and caring, and the ways this Psalm invites us to realign our longings and have confidence in addressing him. There’s a lot in this episode - enjoy!
On this episode, Aaron Antoon joins Matt to discuss Psalm 62. They talk about the phrase “how long…” and the rich idea of refuge as well as the ways this Psalm invites us to bring our full, relationally complex selves to singing this Psalm together.
Speaking of singing, here is a link to Aaron’s version of Psalm 62, entitled “Oh My Soul” where you can hear some of his reflections embodied in this beautiful version. Enjoy!
On this episode, Diann Kalsbeek joins Matt to explore Psalm 61. They talk about the Psalm’s reminder of God’s availability to us, even when we may be struggling to pray, of the gift of escape that God offers us and the ways that we are in fact at our safest in relationship with God. We hope you enjoy this conversation!
On this episode, Olivia Giles joins Matt to talk about Psalm 60. They discuss (debate even!) the tone of the opening verses of the Psalm and discuss the ways it helps us understand God’s covenant and victory. They also reflect on an invitation to resilient prayer in this Psalm and the ways our helplessness drives us to prayer. Enjoy this conversation!
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!
Rachel Timms returns to Curious Psalms to talk about Psalm 49. This unique wisdom Psalm talks extensively about wealth and little about God, so Matt and Rachel discuss both the ways it has helped them reflect on their resources as well as the ways it points to God as the one who brings life and redemption. Plus, they discuss some interesting punctuation choices!
The Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams joins Matt for this conversation about the enthusiastic Psalm 48. Together, they talk about the ways this Psalm reminds us that God is both a God of concrete places and of everyone and everywhere, as well as some specific prayer practices that could flow out of an encounter with this psalm. Plus, there’s a whole lot more about Jerusalem, the Church and God as our guide to the end.
For one of his last conversations on Curious Psalms, Reverend Kyu Hahn returns to talk about the deeply joyful Psalm 47. Matt and Kyu discuss the ways joy combats a culture of content, how this psalm can be a model for our prayer and even how we may get glimpses of the meaning of Jesus’s ascension here.
Amy Langle returns for an honest and vulnerable conversation about Psalm 46. Matt and Amy discuss the Psalm’s call to “be still”, the comfort in God having an ultimate plan and serving as our refuge, and Amy shares a moment of personal revelation.
For Psalm 45, we had to have Dr. Libby Backfish join the podcast as Matt and Libby explore a unique wedding psalm, an unusual reference to God and a reminder of the fact that any human greatness comes from God. Plus they discuss how this can inspire us to pray for our leaders and be mindful of God in the midst of celebration.
Olivia Giles joins the podcast to discuss Psalm 44, a corporate lament Psalm. The conversation explores the inscrutable ways of God, how that can actually help us pray and how, even in the hardships and challenges of our experience with God, we can rest on his unfailing love. Plus, tune in for a meaningful mention of the LEGO movie!
Nathan Giles is back for a conversation about Psalm 43. In this partner Psalm to Psalm 42, we talk about its particular movements, how it helps us explore and pray what we are experiencing as well as its invitation into a robust receptivity to God. We also take some time to explore an interesting phrase in v.1, “plead my cause” and what it means for God to both plead on our behalf and to be the judge. Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation!
In this conversation on Psalm 42, Reverend Kyu Hahn is back on the podcast to talk about this fascinating Psalm that models a kind of spiritual self-talk. Together, we talk about the Psalm’s rhetorical questions, God’s presence in the midst of silence and how remembering and questioning can be welcome and helpful parts of praying.
Plus, as a bonus, listen to Sandra McCracken’s “My Help, My God” here.
For this episode on Psalm 41, Aaron Antoon returns to discuss the ways our questions about God lead us into further exploration, how a single line from the Psalms can form a meaningful prayer, some of the particularly rich turns of phrase the Psalmist uses and much more. We hope you enjoy this conversation!
For this episode on Psalm 40, Heath Langle joins the podcast. He shares what Psalm 40 means to him personally as we talk about its overflowing gratitude, humility and joy and how it reminds us of God’s care for both our past and our future. And that's just a taste - this conversation is full of thinking about the arc of the Bible, the universal and specific nature of poetry and the Psalms and more.
And, as promised, here’s a link to a video of a live performance of “40” by U2.
Joan Curry is our guest to discuss Psalm 39. We talk about the ways this Psalm invites us to be honest with God while recognizing our own limitations, as well as the reality that an encounter with God can be overwhelming. Joan also helpfully walks us through the movements of the Psalm and its invitation into humility.
Hannah Dungan joined the podcast to talk about Psalm 38, one of the penitential psalms. We explored together what it means for God to be fair, what it means that he will answer and the role that confession plays in our life. Plus, Hannah brings a bonus question as we discuss suffering in light of this psalm.
Reverend Kyu Hahn joins the podcast for a conversation about Psalm 37 and there’s lots to talk about! Together, we explore the complexities of doing good, our responsibility and God’s responsibility when it comes to justice and the transforming way the perspective of this psalm can impact our lives. Plus, we talk about laughing in prayer!
Enjoy this special episode where we invite you to pray along with Psalm 37.
Special thanks to Gerry Adams, Grant Sork, Amy Langle and Kyu Hahn for reading the Psalm. The background music is "Shine" by Onycs.
Grant Sork returns to the podcast to discuss Psalm 36. We talk about the ways it contrasts the actions of the wicked with God's faithful love, some possible ways to think about the enigmatic reference to light in verse nine, and how the Psalm might help us pray beyond ourselves.
On this episode, Matt is joined by Dolly Leedy to talk Psalm 35, the way it speaks uniquely to an experience of betrayal, and reminds us that God is the one who contends for us.
Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams returns to talk about the beautiful acrostic Psalm 34 and its invitation into a life of gratitude and praise.
Luke Adams joins the podcast to talk about Psalm 33, its powerful reminders of our dependence on God and his care, and how God is like a little kid in creation.
Kyu Hahn joins Curious Psalms for a conversation about Psalm 32. In this episode, we explore the deep grace of God and how this psalm can help us be honest about ourselves with God.
Libby Backfish returns for her "reserved" conversation about Psalm 31 as we reflect on how this Psalm points us to God's protection and help us pray in the midst of God's goodness and our troubles.
Aaron Antoon joins the podcast again to talk about Psalm 30, how we process its "bargaining" verse, and how it helps us pray more honestly and uncensored.
Nathan Giles joins the podcast to help us listen to Psalm 29 and balance the judgment of the voice of the Lord with what it means for the Spirit to be at work in our own life. Enjoy this conversation!
Rachel Timms returns to the podcast to talk Psalm 28, David's confidence, what that means for our own prayers and how we pray in light of the kingdom of God.
Amy Langle joins the podcast again to explore Psalm 27, the way it expresses confidence in God and how it invites us into waiting.
Madi Trivits returns to the podcast to talk about Psalm 26, wrestling with its language and how it can help us pray alongside others facing injustice.
Kyu Hahn returns for a discussion of Psalm 25, how it highlights our great neediness and how it helps us bring our neediness to a good and forgiving God.
Olivia Giles joins the podcast for the first time as we discuss Psalm 24, the vastness of God and how different perspectives can help us pray the Psalms more deeply.
The Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams joins us for a conversation about the beloved Psalm 23 and how it is both uniquely accessible, widely known and never cliche.
Dr. Libby Backfish returns to talk about Psalm 22 and how Jesus takes up these words and helps us lament.
In this episode, Kyle Trivits joins the podcast to talk about Psalm 21, the ways its description of the king points us beyond the Psalm and the challenges of praying the psalmist's words.
Aaron Antoon returns to the podcast to consider Psalm 20, what victory means for us, and how this psalm of blessing calls us to pray for others.
Madi Trivits joins Curious Psalms again to look at Psalm 19 and how it helps us encounter God's Creation and Law with joy and freedom.
Dr. Kevin Adams returns to Curious Psalms to explore Psalm 18 and the propulsive way it helps us praise God, our Covenant King.
In this episode, you're invited to pray along with Psalm 18. Look for the next episode for a conversation about this Psalm. Thanks to Kevin Adams, Madi Trivits and Amy Langle for their reading and to Scott Buckley for the use of his song...
Marrissa Sork joins the podcast for a conversation about Psalm 17 and the ways it reminds us we can bring our trials to the God who protects us.
Rev. Kyu Hahn returns to explore the ways Psalm 16 points us to God's care of our entire selves and helps us pray in good times.
Rachel Timms joins the podcast to reflect on Psalm 15 and its invitation to reflect on our own lives, and how we might dwell with God and one another.
Luke Adams comes on the podcast to talk Psalm 14, this end-of-the-rope Psalm that gives us space to express our deepest emotions to God.
Libby Backfish joins the podcast again to reflect on Psalm 13 and the way it helps us hold both joy and sorrow together.
Madi Trivits returns to explore the ways Psalm 12 calls us to listen to God and have our imaginations formed by the Psalms.
Pastor Kyu Hahn returns to explore Psalm 10 and the way this Psalm helps us pray in the midst of a complex world.
Bethany Kamstra joins the podcast to discuss Psalm 9 and its expression of God's deep care and love for the oppressed and afflicted.
Aaron Antoon returns to explore Psalm 8, this beautifully concise invitation to perspective about who God is and who we are.
Dr. Kevin Adams returns to talk about Psalm 7 and its invitation to us to rely on God the King who reigns with justice.
Amy Langle joins the podcast to reflect on Psalm 6 as it helps us honestly ask God for his mercy.
Madi Trivits joins the podcast to reflect on Psalm 5 and its desperate cry for God's help.
Pastor Kyu Hahn joins the podcast to discuss Psalm 4, a psalm that invites us to pray with hope and honesty.
Dr. Libby Backfish joins the podcast to discuss Psalm 3, which meets us in the midst of our missed expectations.
Aaron Antoon joins the podcast to talk about Psalm 2, this Psalm that calls us both to awe at God's power and humble submission to his authority.
Kevin Adams joins the podcast to talk about Psalm 1, the gate that helps us enter the prayerbook of God's people.