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!

Ever wondered what Matins is all about? Dive into the rich history and structure of this ancient morning prayer service in our latest episode of The Psalmcast. Join Pastor Ollie Bergh as he unpacks: The origins of Matins and its role as a lay office. How Matins prepares us for the day with Psalmody, readings, and prayers. The meaning behind its key elements, like the Invitatory, Venite, and Canticles. Why Matins remains a vital, flexible, and beautiful tradition today. Whether you're new to Matins or a seasoned worshiper, this episode will inspire and deepen your understanding of this timeless practice.   Find out more about the Psalmcast on psalms.blog and support us at our Patreon.

In this episode of The Psalmcast, Pastor Ollie Bergh delves into the hauntingly majestic Psalm 29. Often described as a psalm of enthronement, this poetic masterpiece calls us to "ascribe to the Lord glory and strength" while exploring the sheer power of God's thundering voice. From its ancient origins—possibly influenced by Ugaritic poetry—to its vivid imagery of storms, lightning, and trembling mountains, Psalm 29 paints a picture of God's unmatched power over creation. Pastor Bergh unpacks the seven "lightning strikes" of the Lord's voice, which moves from the seas to the wilderness, shaking the very foundations of the earth. Discover how this psalm connects to the wilderness of Kadesh, the rebirth of God's people, and even the baptismal waters of the temple. Pastor Bergh also takes us to the Jordan River, where the voice of the Lord once thundered over Jesus' baptism, declaring him the beloved Son. Join us as we reflect on how this ancient psalm invites us to enthrone God over the waters of baptism and proclaim his glory in our own lives. Don’t miss this deep dive into Psalm 29’s vivid imagery, powerful themes, and its call to ascribe glory to the Lord!   Find out more by visiting psalms.blog or support this podcast on patreon.com/thepsalmcast

Why would we talk about the Hail Mary on a podcast about the Psalms? Well, it was something like a poor person's psalm, and this short prayer can deeply enrich one's prayer life. Dive into the Word of God with Pastor Ollie Bergh to see how this short prayer (which Luther taught!) can enrich our prayer lives.   Find out more about us at our website, psalms.blog

Psalm 107 tells the story of a God who redeems us and gathers us together again. When we pray with and through this psalm, we pray to a God who has an unending steadfast love, and we aren't afraid to cry to God in our distress.   Find out more at psalms.blog

Welcome back to The Psalmcast with Pastor Ollie Bergh where we embark on a journey through the majestic corridors of Psalm 47, a royal anthem celebrating the kingship and kingdom of God. Join us as we explore the coronation imagery embedded in this psalm, imagining Archbishop Justin Welby's proclamation of "God save the king!" transformed into a call to acclaim our divine Sovereign. Through historical insights and theological reflections, we unveil the profound significance of crowning God as King of our hearts, inviting listeners to participate in the eternal narrative of God's reign. As we delve into the depths of Psalm 47, we discover the wisdom of enthroning God in our hearts, echoing the faith of ancient patriarchs like Abraham. So, let's clap our hands, shout with joy, and join in the exuberant praise of our King who reigns over all the earth. Let us pray with awe and gratitude, for our God is awesome, and His kingdom is everlasting.   Find out more at our website, psalms.blog

Psalm 62 is a prayer of confidence in God. Praying it brings us into God's refuge. In the process, God brings us into the prayer life of Jesus Christ while teaching us wisdom from on high. It's a beautiful prayer, and we hope you'll join Pr. Ollie on this episode of the Psalmcast. Find out more about the Psalmcast on our website, psalms.blog References: At the top of the episode, Holy Hygge by Jamie Erickson was mentioned. For a complete Bibliography, check out this page on our website.

Psalm 85 is a Psalm from the Sons of Korah. Luther believes they had a special ability to prophesy about Christ's Incarnation, and when you read this Psalm with the Holy Spirit, there is no doubt about it. Find Christ in the poetry of life on this episode of the Psalmcast with Pr. Ollie Bergh. To learn more about us, check out our website psalms.blog. If you want to support this ministry, check out our Patreon.

Psalm 80 speaks to a God you can look at. In this Psalm, join Pastor Ollie in learning from Asaph on how to hold God's feet to the fire.   Learn more from us at psalms.blog

Psalm One is a strange psalm. It's an invitation to the righteous life, it's an invitation to the whole Book of Psalms, and it's a way to meditate on Jesus Christ. Join Pastor Ollie Bergh as we start our journey through the Psalms by stepping into the freedom of delight. Learn more about the Psalmcast at psalms.blog

So you want to learn more about the Psalms? Before diving into each Psalm individually, listen to this episode to learn more about this unique book of the Bible (and this podcast!) Learn more about the Psalmcast at our website: psalms.blog