33. Barely Hanging On? This One's for You.

What do you pray when life hurts so much that ordinary words no longer feel adequate?

In this reflection on Psalm 69, John Ortberg explores one of the most emotionally intense prayers in all of Scripture.

Drawing a surprising connection to Howl, John examines how the Psalms give voice to grief, despair, loss, betrayal, injustice, addiction, depression, and suffering.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 69 and honest prayer
- The language of anguish
- Why God welcomes our deepest pain
- Jesus and "zeal for Your house"
- The danger of bitterness and despair
-  Protecting the soul in suffering
- Learning to live in a howling world

Featuring reflections on:
- Allen Ginsberg
- John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath

Scriptures:
- Psalm 69
- John 2:13–17

#Psalm69 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Suffering #Grief #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Hope #psalms


📚 Today's Resources:
John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath  


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00:00 Psalm 69: A Cry of Anguish
00:25 Allen Ginsberg's Howl
01:28 When Pain Needs a Voice
02:23 Suffering That Feels Powerless
03:01 Loss, Illness & Betrayal
04:05 Save Me, God
04:35 The Waters Have Come Up to My Neck
04:56 Worn Out Calling for Help
05:17 Zeal for Your House Consumes Me
05:52 Anger, Justice & Imprecatory Prayer
06:39 The Turning Point: "But..."
07:33 John's Reflection on His Father's Death
07:57 Protect My Soul
08:24 The Grapes of Wrath Illustration
08:57 What Suffering Can Do to a Person
09:33 God Hears the Needy
09:55 Living in a Howling World
10:27 Meaning, Service & Hope
10:37 May God Protect Your Soul