The Psalms are filled with rich imagery and a lot of emotion, however, not many of us know the true depth of how valuable the Psalms really are in shaping our view of God and our prayer lives.

In this episode re-release, we discuss the background of the Psalms, why it is important for Christians to read the Psalms, and how reading the Psalms can shape our prayer life and view of God. We are joined by Dr. Mark Futato, who serves as a professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orland, Florida, and has studied and written books over the Psalms.

Every month, our church gathers to sing, pray, and read the Bible. We call these times Worship Nights because we believe them to center our attention (our worship) on Christ. But recently we have been asking ourselves, what is the difference between a worship night and a Sunday morning church gathering?

To compare these two is like comparing apples and oranges. (Which, counter to popular belief, actually can be compared.) You see, just like apples and oranges, both Sunday morning and Wednesday night strive after the same thing, they exist in the same ecosystem, they are both fruit. Both spaces exist to help people worship God. But qualitatively each of these spaces “taste” different. They each have their unique way of calling us back to God. Here are a few things that you will find at a worship night that make it distinctive from our Sunday morning gatherings.

the full article can be read here

Summer may evoke feelings of financial freedom or feelings of dread as air conditioners go out, cars need to be worked on, and other miscellaneous circumstances come up.

In this episode re-release , we address questions like, "What does it look like to give generously in hard times?" and "Do I need financially give or is giving of my time enough?" Join us as we look at our call as Christians when it comes to giving financially and generously no matter the life situation.

In light of the ballot initiative, we revisit an episode from Season 5.

On this week's episode, we discuss the topic of pro-life and the pro-life ministry work at Assure Women's Center, a nonprofit organization that offers free services to pregnant women in the Omaha area. We are joined by Toni Clarke, who serves as the executive director at Assure and has worked at Assure for the last 14 years.

Join us as we unpack the pro-life view and its importance together.

It is currently summer and for many of us, that can come with a renewed sense of energy. For others, it can come with some unease as we start to slow down and sense part of our souls that have withered and feel far from God.

If you have wondered why God feels distant at times, you're not alone. Many Christians wonder this. While we don't have concrete answers, we discuss some possible reasons why God may feel distant at times. We are reposting episode 128 so that you can press into the Lord during this time where you may feel distant from him.

If you have any thoughts or questions in response to this episode, please email us at formation@providenceomaha.org.

This episode seeks to provide wisdom in forgiveness—exploring why as Christians we are to forgive, why it is hard to forgive, and how to forgive others.

Providence Resources
Forgiveness Model Mentioned

• Women's Retreat 2022: Free Indeed

Knowing God Podcast

• 042 - Life through Forgiveness
• 093 - Forgiveness by Forgiveness

Other Articles

• Forgiveness Article Mayo Clinic

How do you work through your past issues to better love God and others? Is this something you can do on your own or should it be done only in community? How can we rewire our brains to be fully known and fully loved?

In this episode, Ravyn and Debbie discuss the importance of healing from past trauma, how to do that on your own, and how to do that with others.

Additional Resources

• Books
  • Transforming Fellowship: 19 Brain Skills That Build Joyful Community by Chris Coursey
• Websites
  • Center for Being Known
  • Life Model Works

In this episode, Andrew and Ravyn introduce the topic of and definition of fencing the Lord's table.

What is fencing the table? Why is fencing the table an act of love? How do we practically fence the table on Sundays? Tune in for discussions over these questions and more.

Additional Resources

• Sermons
  • Sermon on the Mount :: The Heart of Murder
• Christian Formation Episodes
  • 141 - How to Take the Lord's Supper
  • 140 - Communion: 4 Different Views Today
  • 139 - Proclaim and Protect, Contribute, Sacraments