Become New with John Ortberg

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5. Why We Don’t Know How to Pray Our Emotions (with Rankin Wilbourne) May 08, 2026

Show notes

Most people don’t know how to pray their emotions… even after years of faith.
What if the Psalms were meant to teach you how?
In this conversation, John Ortberg sits down with author and pastor Rankin Wilbourne to explore a life-changing idea: learning to pray your emotions.
Many of us either suppress our feelings or let them control us—but the Psalms offer a better way. They give us language, permission, and structure to bring our real selves before God.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why most people struggle to pray honestly
- The difference between suppressing, expressing, and praying emotions
- A simple framework to process emotions with God (OWN: Observe, Welcome, Name)
- What “pre-reflective prayer” means—and why it matters
This is Part 1 of a 3-part conversation.
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Music Credits:
Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE
Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF
00:00 – Opening + Introducing Rankin Wilbourne
00:55 – What the Psalms Are Really For
01:35 – “Pray Your Emotions” (Why This Is Hard)
02:02 – Tim Keller’s Insight on Prayer
02:46 – Two Common Mistakes With Emotions
03:14 – Why Christians Struggle With Feelings
03:46 – A Better Way: Don’t Deny, Don’t Enshrine
04:17 – The OWN Framework (Observe, Welcome, Name)
05:18 – Why Naming Emotions Heals
05:40 – What Mister Rogers Got Right
06:09 – “What’s Mentionable Is Manageable”
07:12 – Pouring Out Your Heart to God
07:36 – Why We Try to Fix Instead of Feel
08:09 – Permission to Be Human Before God
08:38 – How to Actually Practice This
09:04 – Learning Prayer by Praying
09:34 – “Trust and Pour Out Your Heart”
10:00 – Why We Avoid Our Own Hearts
10:25 – The Problem of “Willed Loneliness”
11:01 – Vulnerability Before God
11:34 – Does God Really Want This From Me?
11:59 – What Is Pre-Reflective Prayer?
12:26 – When Theology Gets in the Way
13:05 – Practice: Name What You’re Feeling
13:53 – Why This Matters (Preview of Part 2)

4. How to Bring Your Pain to God (Psalm 13) May 07, 2026

Show notes

How long can you carry something before it breaks you?
And what do you do when God feels… silent?
In this teaching on Psalm 13, John Ortberg walks us through one of the most honest prayers in Scripture: “How long, O Lord?”
When pain lingers, when answers don’t come, and when God feels distant, we face a choice. We can grumble—turning inward in bitterness and withdrawal—or we can groan—bringing our pain honestly before God.
This Psalm shows us how to lament in a way that leads somewhere. Not by denying pain, but by bringing it fully into God’s presence.
If you’re carrying something heavy right now—a relationship, anxiety, loss, or a long unanswered prayer—this teaching will help you turn that pain into prayer.
📚 Today's Resources:
Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
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Music Credits:
Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE
Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF
00:00 – Opening Prayer
00:18 – Psalm 13: Bring Your “How Long”
00:53 – “Will You Forget Me Forever?”
01:30 – What “How Long” Really Means
01:59 – When You Don’t Know the Finish Line
02:15 – When God Feels Hidden
02:36 – The Panic of Not Finding What Matters
03:20 – How the Body Holds Pain
03:46 – Why Pain Lingers in Us
04:15 – What Is Your “How Long”?
04:34 – Naming Real-Life Pain
05:05 – Two Ways to Respond to Pain
05:18 – Grumbling vs Groaning
05:58 – What Grumbling Does to the Soul
06:19 – What Groaning Looks Like
06:51 – Groaning = Honest Faith
07:18 – How This Plays Out in Real Life
07:37 – Warning Against Grumbling
08:02 – Groaning for the World’s Pain
08:23 – Creation Is Groaning
08:56 – When You Don’t Have Words
09:28 – God Groans With You
09:53 – The Turning Point: “But I Trust…”
10:25 – What Actually Changes?
10:56 – Lament Opens the Door to Praise
11:23 – Bring Your “How Long” to God
11:46 – When Hope Begins to Rise
12:04 – From Lament to Praise

3. Renew Your Mind with Psalm 8 May 06, 2026

Show notes

Everyone’s talking about mindfulness… but what if we’ve missed the most important part?
What if the key isn’t your mind being focused—but God’s mind being focused on you?
In this teaching on Psalm 8, John Ortberg explores a deeper kind of mindfulness—one that begins not with your attention, but with God’s.
While we often struggle with distraction, anxiety, and rumination, Psalm 8 reveals something surprising: God is fully, constantly mindful of you. His attention never drifts. His care never wavers.
Through reflection, Scripture, and guided prayer, this teaching invites you to step into praise, re-center your mind, and experience what it means to live in the awareness of God’s presence.
You’ll also learn how to pray the Psalm—turning your attention from distraction to delight, and from anxiety to awe.
Music Credits:
Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE
Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF
📚 Today's Resources:
Thomas Merton, Praying the Psalms (1956)
Mark Ralls, “Mindful: Psalm 8,” The Christian Century, 15 May 2007.
Eugene Peterson, Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer (1991)
C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms (1958)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible (1940)
Timothy Keller and Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions In the Psalms (2015)
James W. Sire, Praying the Psalms of Jesus (2007)
Walter Bruggeman, Praying the Psalms: Engaging Scripture and the Life of the Spirit (1995)
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00:00 – Opening Prayer
00:18 – Learning to Pray the Psalms
00:42 – From Wisdom → Lament → Praise
01:02 – Do You Struggle With Your Mind?
01:27 – Resources on Praying the Psalms
02:17 – “Lord, Our Lord…” (Starting With God)
02:50 – What “God’s Name” Really Means
03:22 – God’s Glory in All the Earth
03:49 – The Power of Childlike Praise
04:25 – “What Is Mankind?” (The Big Question)
04:55 – Why Praise Feels So Empty Today
05:46 – Why We Struggle to Praise God
06:08 – Do You Actually Want God?
06:54 – No Blueprint for Ecstasy
07:23 – Practicing Attention and Reflection
07:54 – What Is Mindfulness (Really)?
08:20 – The Universe Exists in God’s Mind
08:42 – God Is Mindful of You
09:11 – The Acorn Illustration (Are You Paying Attention?)
09:54 – God Is Never Distracted
10:14 – Because God Is Mindful… We Can Be Too
10:25 – Practicing Presence (Breath + Spirit)
10:57 – “Present to the Presence in the Present”
11:15 – Why Psalm 8 Ends Where It Begins
11:32 – You Are Held in God’s Attention
11:52 – Seeing Others as Image Bearers
12:02 – Living With Joy, Gratitude, and Praise

2. Anxious About the Future? Pray This Psalm May 05, 2026

Show notes

We live in a world obsessed with predicting the future… and terrified of it.
So how do you actually live when everything feels uncertain?
In this teaching on Psalm 3, John Ortberg explores one of the most universal human struggles: uncertainty. We don’t know what’s coming next—and instead of trusting God, we often try to control, predict, or even “gamble” on the future.
But Psalm 3 offers a different way. It begins in fear and pressure—real enemies, real anxiety—and moves toward trust, surrender, and confidence in God’s presence.
This teaching will help you name the “foes” in your life (both internal and external), bring your honest thoughts to God, and discover what it means to live with courage—even when the future is unclear.
You’ll also be guided to pray the Psalm yourself, learning how to turn anxiety into conversation with God.
📚 Today's Resources:
McKay Coppins, “Sucker: My Year as a Degenerate Gambler,” The Atlantic, 12 March 2026
Music Credits:
Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE
Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF

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⏱️ Chapters (retention-focused)
00:00 – Opening Prayer
00:15 – The Big Question: How Do You Handle Uncertainty?
00:30 – We Understand Life Backwards, Live It Forwards
00:49 – How We Try to Control the Future
01:12 – The Explosion of Gambling Culture
02:39 – Even Betting on the Second Coming?!
03:04 – A Better Way: Turn to God
03:32 – Psalm 3: Where Prayer Begins
03:58 – Start With One Word: “Lord”
04:23 – Practicing God’s Presence (Candle + Chair)
05:07 – “How Many Are My Foes?”
05:44 – Naming Your Real Enemies (Anxiety, Hurry, Envy…)
06:40 – Personal and Relational Pain
07:01 – When You Can’t Fix What’s Broken
07:26 – God as Shield, Glory, and Lifter of Your Head
08:20 – You Don’t Have to Prove Yourself
08:43 – From Shame to Confidence
09:27 – The Real Test of Your Life
09:48 – Can You Sleep in Peace?
10:14 – Waking Up: Life Is a Gift
10:34 – “Arise, Lord” (Resurrection Power)
10:56 – What Does “Break Their Teeth” Mean?
11:18 – Pray What You Actually Feel
11:46 – Where Deliverance Comes From
11:57 – Make This Psalm Your Prayer Today

1. The Greatest Prayer You Ever Prayed May 04, 2026

Show notes

What if your life is already headed in a direction… and you didn’t choose it?
Psalm 1 says there are only two ways to live and only one leads to flourishing.
In this opening teaching of a new series on the Psalms, John Ortberg invites us into one of the most important questions we can ask: What is my way of life leading to?
Psalm 1 describes a person who is “blessed”—not just happy, but deeply rooted, steady, and flourishing. And it contrasts that life with another path we can slowly drift into without even noticing. Through reflection, story, and guided prayer, this teaching helps you examine your own direction and begin to re-center your life around God.
You’ll also be invited to actually pray the Psalm—to let it shape your thoughts, your desires, and your daily decisions.
📚 Today's Resources:
Thomas Merton, Praying the Psalms
Markham Heid, “The Number of Words You Say in a Day is Shrinking,” Time, 28 April 2026.
McKay Coppins, “Sucker: My Year as a Degenerate Gambler,” The Atlantic, 12 March 2026

Music Credits:

Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE

Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF

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00:00 – Opening Prayer: “May the words…”
00:22 – Why Prayer Matters to God
01:25 – The Psalms: Every Emotion with God
02:41 – Why the Psalms Transform Us
03:02 – Do You Need Wisdom Right Now?
03:32 – What Does “Blessed” Really Mean?
04:18 – Everyone Has a Way of Life
04:44 – Flourishing vs. Drifting
05:09 – The Danger of Slow Drift
05:40 – Walking → Standing → Sitting (The Progression)
06:29 – Modern Life Is Forming You (More Than You Think)
07:13 – Even “Religious” Lives Can Miss This
07:40 – The Tree Planted by Water
08:10 – What It Means to Meditate on God
08:52 – Training Your Mind to Delight
09:21 – What You Fill Your Mind With Shapes You
09:43 – Two Ways to See People: Exploit or Love
10:35 – The “Wicked” vs “Righteous” (In All of Us)
10:58 – Guided Prayer: Ask God for Flourishing
11:37 – Where Do You Need Wisdom Today?

The Life of Joseph: A Study on Forgiveness May 01, 2026

Show notes

Did you enjoy this teaching on Forgiveness? Download the free print and go study guide to experience the journey in its fullness: becomenew.com/study-guides
Is reconciliation really possible… after betrayal?

In one of the most powerful stories in the Bible, we see the answer: yes—but it’s complicated.

In today’s teaching, we walk through the story of Joseph and his brothers—a story filled with jealousy, betrayal, suffering, and ultimately… forgiveness and reconciliation. This is not a neat or easy process. It’s messy, emotional, and deeply human.

But it reveals something extraordinary:
God can bring healing even to the most broken relationships.

Because forgiveness is powerful…
but reconciliation? That’s a miracle.

📚 Today's Resources:
Workbook resource by Everett Worthington (forgiveness process):
https://bit.ly/REACHWorksheet
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Music Credits:
Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

What Forgiveness is NOT Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

What is forgiveness… really? And what if most of us have been getting it wrong?
In today’s teaching, we define forgiveness in a clear and powerful way: replacing ill will with goodwill. But that raises big questions—Does forgiveness excuse wrongdoing? Does it ignore justice? Should we forgive everything?
Drawing from Scripture, real-world examples, and the work of Everett Worthington, this message untangles the confusion and reveals a deeper, stronger, more honest vision of forgiveness.
Because forgiveness isn’t pretending something didn’t matter it’s choosing a different kind of response.
📚 Today's Resources:
Workbook resource by Everett Worthington (forgiveness process):
https://bit.ly/REACHWorksheet
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📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.
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Music Credits:
Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

How Bitterness Slowly Takes Over Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Most of us think unforgiveness is something we choose.
But what if it’s actually something that slowly grows inside of us… without us even realizing it?
In today’s teaching, we explore the road to NOT forgiving—how small hurts turn into resentment, how rumination fuels bitterness, and how unforgiveness quietly takes hold of your heart.
Drawing from Scripture, personal reflection, and the research of Everett Worthington, this message exposes the hidden patterns that keep us stuck—and offers hope that change is possible.
Because unforgiveness doesn’t just affect others…it shapes you.
📚 Today's Resources:
Workbook resource by Everett Worthington (forgiveness process):
https://bit.ly/REACHWorksheet
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📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.
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Music Credits:
Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

This Man Forgave His Mom’s Killer Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to forgive the unforgivable?
In this powerful conversation, Everett Worthington shares his personal story of facing unimaginable loss—and the journey toward forgiveness that followed.
Blending deep emotional honesty with practical wisdom, this teaching explores the darkness of the human heart, the reality of anger and rage, and the surprising path that leads to healing. You’ll discover why forgiveness is not about excusing harm, but about transforming your own heart—and how even small steps can begin that process.
Because forgiveness doesn’t start with others…
it starts within you.
Welcome home. Change starts today.
📚 Today's Resources:
Workbook resource by Everett Worthington (forgiveness process):
https://bit.ly/REACHWorksheet
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.
Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT us at 51504
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Music Credits:
Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

Five Steps to Forgive Anyone Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Forgiveness sounds simple… until you actually have to do it.
In today’s teaching, we begin a powerful journey into forgiveness—not as a vague idea, but as a real, practical process that leads to healing and freedom. Because the truth is: we all carry wounds… and we all need to forgive.
Drawing from Scripture, the teachings of Everett Worthington, and real-life experience, this message introduces a proven pathway to forgiveness—one that is honest, challenging, and deeply transformative.
Because forgiveness isn’t natural…
it’s supernatural.
But it is possible.
Welcome home. Change starts today.
📚 Today's Resources:
Work and research of Everett Worthington (REACH model)
Hannah Arendt (on forgiveness in human affairs)
Workbook resource by Everett Worthington (forgiveness process): https://bit.ly/REACHWorksheet
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.
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TEXT us at 51504
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Music Credits:
Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

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