Lectio Divina on Psalm 90
By TaeHun Yoon

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1. Basic Prayer in Silence
Before I began, I prayed with all my being:

Opening Prayer – “Prayer for a New Heart” by Dag Hammarskjöld (Mt. 5:8)

“Thou who art over us,
Thou who art one of us,
Thou who art:
Give me a pure heart, that I may see thee;
A humble heart, that I may hear thee;
A heart of love, that I may serve thee;
A heart of faith, that I may abide in thee. Amen.”

Then, I sang Amazing Grace (verses 1, 2, and 5), letting the words soften my soul.

I sat quietly in my chair. I took three deep, steady breaths.
My body rested. My spirit leaned into God. I entered holy silence.

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2. Lectio (Reading)
I read Psalm 90:1–17, the prayer of Moses, the man of God.
I used several versions—each revealing a different shade of meaning.

These verses rose from the page and remained in my heart:

“Because in your perspective a thousand years are like yesterday past,
like a short period during the night watch.” (Psalm 90:4)

“Teach us to number our days so we can have a wise heart.” (Psalm 90:12)

“Fill us full every morning with your faithful love
so we can rejoice and celebrate our whole life long.” (Psalm 90:14)

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3. Meditatio (Meditation)
I meditated on these words and how they spoke to my life.

I realized again: God is eternal. I am fragile.

At 76 years old, I’m already counting my days. Life is short.
I’ve fallen often, broken in spirit, and wounded by sin.
I need God’s grace every day.

I imagined walking into the Holy of Holies, singing this ancient prayer of Moses.
I remembered this prayer was once offered for the leaders of Israel’s tribes.
Now it becomes my prayer.

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4. Oratio (Prayer)
I offered my honest words to God:

“O Lord, You are beyond time and space.
I am small—lighter than a feather.
Yet You hold me in Your bosom.
Teach me, Lord, to live well.
Guide me moment by moment,
So I may grow in wisdom and gratitude.”

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5. Contemplatio (Contemplation)
In silence, I listened. I rested in His presence.
No words. Just stillness.

Then, I heard God whisper in my heart:

“You are a feather.
I manage all beyond time and space.
Rest in Me.”

Yes, Lord—I am lighter than Your breath.

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6. Incarnatio (Living the Word)
I opened my eyes. I returned to my chair and surroundings.
I whispered with joy:

“This is the day that the Lord has made.
I will rejoice and be glad in it!”

I knew then that I must carry this wisdom into daily life.
To be aware of each moment.
To remember how the Lord has sheltered me beneath His wings.
To trust that He silently perfects my broken work.

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7. Ruminatio (Ongoing Reflection)
I continue to chew on this truth throughout the day:
God is eternal. Life is short. Love wisely. Live thankfully.

His faithful love greets me every morning.
So let me walk through each hour
with a wise heart,
a grateful spirit,
and a song of joy.