Episode 381: Psalms, Part Two--Praise and Thanksgiving

In our new series this summer exploring the psalms, pastors Erica, Sarah, and Steve now take a look at different kinds, or genres, of psalms. And in this episode our conversation takes us to psalms of praise and thanksgiving.  In a sense, these kinds of prayers and songs seem obviouus--when you are happy or something is going well, sometimes the joyfulness just bursts out of you, after all.  But it is worth exploring how these psalms call attention to WHY God is worthy of praise.  That might include the times life is going well, but maybe it's also thanks for the times God has brought us through difficult times, or remembrances of what God has done in the distant past as a reminder of what God can do in our present situations.  The psalms of praise also highlight WHO God is--the One who cares for the marginalized, who lifts up the lowly, who deflates the arrogant, who feeds the hungry with good things, and who cares about justice and mercy.  We'll also explore how reading and praying the psalms of praise and thanksgiving can open our minds to keep singing new songs of praise and offering up new words of thanks for what God continues to do in our lives and in the world.  Check out the conversation here on this week's Crazy Faith Talk!