Why does memory matter spiritually?

In this reflective teaching on Psalm 77, John Ortberg explores remembrance, gratitude, grief, forgiveness, healing, and why memory itself can become a form of prayer.

Using deeply personal family stories, Memorial Day reflections, and Psalm 77’s call to “remember the deeds of the Lord,” John reflects on the spiritual importance of remembering honestly and hopefully.

This episode explores:
- Gratitude and memory
- Remembering sin and forgiveness
- God’s faithfulness through suffering
- Augustine’s Confessions
- René Girard and mimetic desire
- Why Jesus told us to remember

This teaching is thoughtful, moving, deeply personal, and filled with hope.

Scriptures:
- Psalm 77
- Luke 22:19

Resources referenced:
- Eugene Peterson
- Augustine’s Confessions
- René Girard

#Psalm77 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Memory #Gratitude #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Healing #Psalms

📚 Today's Resources:
Eugene H. Peterson, Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer

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Music Credits:
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00:00 Memorial Day & Remembering
00:28 Psalm 77 & the Prayer of Memory
01:16 “I Will Remember the Deeds of the Lord”
01:38 Three Ways to Pray Through Memory
02:03 John’s Grandmother’s Notebook
02:42 Gratitude & Family Memories
04:00 Remembering People We Love
04:52 Remembering Sin & Forgiveness
05:18 Augustine’s Pear Theft Story
05:51 René Girard & Mimetic Desire
06:20 The Watermelon Story
07:27 Remembering Without Shame
08:09 Remembering God’s Faithfulness
08:36 Grief, Loss & Family Suffering
09:32 “The Healing Power Is Greater Than the Hurting Power”
10:19 Retrospect & Hope Beyond This Life
11:17 “Remember”
11:29 Jesus & the Last Supper
11:46 Closing Prayer