The Psalmcast with Pastor Ollie Bergh

Psalm 16 | God is our all in all

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.

How to Pray with the Bible (ft. Psalm 117)

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.

Psalm 23 | Trust in the Good Shepherd

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.

Psalm 46 | A mighty fortress is our God

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.

Psalm 126 | The Mystery of Restoration

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

Psalm 51 | A Repentant Prayer for Transformation

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

The Law of the Lord is Perfect | Psalm 19

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!

Matins 101

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.
 
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The Lord's Thundering Voice | Psalm 29

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!
 
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The Hail Mary in Lutheran Perspective

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.
 
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