Ryan Swale | Embracing the Imprecatory Psalms

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Ryan Swale, pastor of Immanuel URC in Jordan, Ontario, to discuss his dissertation, _The Imprecatory Pastor: A Practical Theology of the Imprecatory Psalms_. Swale challenges the modern church to reconsider the often-overlooked imprecatory psalms, which call for divine justice upon enemies. He argues that these psalms are not only permissible for Christians to use but are essential for pastoral ministry. Grounded in the character of God and rooted in biblical promises, Swale shows how these prayers for justice play a vital role in counseling, preaching, prayer, and worship.

Swale explains the theological foundations of imprecatory psalms, demonstrating how both the Old and New Testaments affirm their use. He also explores practical applications for pastors, including how imprecatory psalms can be employed in "liturgical warfare," apologetics, and pastoral counseling. Swale urges pastors to embrace these psalms as powerful tools for confronting evil and injustice, ultimately leading the church in glorifying God's justice.

Join us as we explore the biblical and pastoral importance of imprecatory psalms and their role in faithfully navigating a fallen world. Tune in to learn more about the powerful place of imprecatory psalms in Christian life and ministry.

00:07 Introduction
05:13 Choosing the Imprecatory Psalms as a DMin Dissertation Topic
11:25 What Is an Imprecatory Psalm?
14:17 Imprecations in Light of Genesis 3:15
23:03 Imprecatory Psalms and the New Testament
38:27 Imprecatory Psalms in Corporate Worship
45:30 The Judgment of God upon Christ for His People
48:21 Psalms for the Age of Rage
53:44 Suggestions for Beginning to Use the Imprecatory Psalms
57:43 Conclusion

[AmiltonSolas]

Thank you so much, this found me in place of hurt and has brought me some peace!

[trystwithchrist]

William Binnie, the nineteenth century Reformed Presbyterian minister who became a Free Church of Scotland professor, has a chapter on "The Imprecations" in his volume “The Psalms : Their History, Teachings, and Use.” It is easy enough to find for free online. There are examples of some parts of imprecatory psalms taken from worship services on my channel although the context is an attempt put the whole of a modern psalter online in sung form. I remember we used to sing every psalm over the course of the year in worship although some parts of psalms were sung only at the prayer meeting rather than at the Lord’s Day services. Binnie’s comment was that the imprecations “ought never to be sung but with fear and trembling.” The closing of Psalm 137 (which has been compared to Luke 19: 44) has, in my experience, often been omitted in public worship. Binnie also reminds us that the things called for in the imprecatory psalms are part of God’s providence in history.

[parksideevangelicalchurch]

The imprecatory psalms are great to use in the spiritual warfare of our prayers. I've found it helpful in my preaching to link them with Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

[davidmoser]

Fantastic! Can't wait to see this published.

[truthseerum]

one of the generals of reformed faith fell today. please pray to lift up and restore Brother Steve Lawson.

Please pray for mighty pastor John MacArthur, the foremost reformed theologian of our time, who's life in earth is coming to a close. he underwent heart surgery.

the Body of Christ groans as we approach the end. Lord preserve and increase our faith as your children are impelled by your LIVING WORD, that is the HOLY NAME of Your Son Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, to fellowship and worship and commune continuously and pray without ceasing that we uphold the standard of your doctrine and preach the Good News in Obedience until the end of time.

Beloved Holy Spirit flood these words with your grace and mercy and cleanse the soul of grief as we have grieved you and move us to good works according to our faith and calling.

In Jesus Holy Name Amen.