Psalm 90

Psalm 90 is a prayer from someone who feels small in a big world. It speaks to the shortness of life and how quickly time passes. The psalm looks at the difference between God’s everlasting nature and our limited time on earth. It helps us think about how we live and how we spend our days.

This psalm is often called a psalm of Moses. It is the only one in the Book of Psalms connected to him. Moses had seen many hardships. He had led the people through the desert. He knew what it meant to depend on God day by day. So this prayer feels like it comes from a place of deep trust and hard experience.

The psalm begins by saying that God has always been there. Before the mountains were made or the earth was formed, God was. This shows that God is steady and lasting. In contrast, people are like dust. We live for a short time, and then we are gone. This reminder is not meant to make us sad, but to help us live wisely.

Psalm 90 asks God to teach us how to number our days. It asks for mercy and kindness. The psalm wants us to find joy in God even when life is hard. It ends with a prayer for God’s blessing on our work. This helps us remember that even our small tasks matter when they are done with faith.

This psalm comes from Book IV of the Book of Psalms. The Psalms are divided into five parts. Book IV includes Psalms 90 through 106. These psalms often focus on God’s power and faithfulness. They remind the people to trust God, especially when things are hard.

The author of this psalm is said to be Moses. It is the only psalm linked to him by name. That makes it stand out from the others. Moses led the people of Israel through the desert after they left Egypt. He saw their struggles and their sins. He also saw how God guided them, even when they complained or turned away.

This prayer may have been written during those hard years in the wilderness. The people were waiting for the promised land. Many were tired and scared. Moses may have written this to help them look to God and remember what matters most.

The psalm feels like the prayer of someone who has lived through much. It talks about time, suffering, and hope. It asks God to help people stay faithful and to bless the work they do.

One of the main themes in this psalm is the shortness of life. It reminds us that our time on earth is brief. We do not live forever. This helps us stay humble. It also helps us think about how we use our time. In Catholic teaching, this connects to the idea that life is a gift. We are called to use it well and to follow God each day.

Another theme is the everlasting nature of God. God is not limited by time. He was there before the world began and will always be. This gives us comfort. Even when life changes or we feel lost, God stays the same. The Church teaches that we can trust God because He is always faithful.

The psalm also speaks of sin and the need for mercy. It says that God sees all our faults. Nothing is hidden from Him. But it also asks for compassion. Catholics believe God is full of mercy. When we are honest about our sins and ask for forgiveness, He welcomes us back.

Last, the psalm asks God to bless our work. It is a prayer that our efforts will not be wasted. In the Catholic faith, work is part of our calling. We offer it to God, no matter how small. This psalm reminds us that our labor has meaning when we do it with faith.

This psalm still speaks to us today. Life moves fast. We are busy, and sometimes we forget what really matters. This prayer helps us slow down. It reminds us that our time is short, so we should use it wisely.

Many people today feel tired or unsure about the future. The psalm gives words to those feelings. It reminds us that God is steady even when life feels out of control. We can turn to Him when we feel lost, just like people did long ago.

This prayer also teaches us to ask for mercy. We all make mistakes. We all need God’s help. The psalm reminds us that it is good to admit our sins and ask for forgiveness. God listens and cares.

Finally, it reminds us that our work matters. Whether we are parents, students, workers, or caretakers, our daily tasks can be a prayer. We can offer our work to God and trust Him to guide us.

Teach Us to Live Well

God, you have always been here.
Before time began, you were already strong.
You see everything, even when we feel invisible.
Help us remember you in the middle of our busy days.

Life feels short and fast.
We try to do too much and still feel behind.
Remind us what really matters.
Teach us to slow down and be with you.

We mess up.
We get distracted, angry, and lazy.
But you are kind and patient.
Please forgive us and help us start again.

Bless the work we do each day.
School, chores, sports, jobs, and friends—
Help us do these things with love.
Let them bring joy to others.

Stay with us through every season.
When we feel lost, guide us.
When we are tired, give us strength.
You are our shelter. You are always near.

Psalm 90 shows up in different places in the Catholic lectionary. It is used during Ordinary Time and also at Masses for funerals. The Church chooses it for these times because of its strong message about life, death, and trust in God.

When we hear this psalm at Mass, we are reminded that life is short and that we should stay close to God. The words help us focus on what is lasting. They remind us that God is always there, even when we face loss or pain.

At funeral Masses, this psalm brings comfort. It reminds us that God has been with us through every stage of life. It asks Him to show kindness to His people and to bless the work of our hands.

Whether we hear it on a Sunday or during a time of mourning, this psalm helps us pray with hope. It connects our small lives to God’s steady presence.

Click on a link below for more information and resources for a specific responsorial psalm.

At Weekday Masses

• Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14 and 16: God, Our Eternal Refuge
• Saturday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 90:2, 3-4abc, 5-6, 12-13: Eternal Refuge in God
• Saturday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17: Our Refuge Through All Time
• Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and17bc: God Is Our Refuge Through the Ages
• Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 90:3-5a, 12-13, 14 and 17: Seeking God’s Compassion and Joy

Who wrote this psalm?

This psalm is linked to Moses. It is the only psalm that names him as the author. He may have written it during the time the people of Israel were in the desert.

What is the main message?

The psalm reminds us that life is short. It teaches us to trust God and ask for His mercy. It also asks God to bless the work we do.

Why does it talk so much about time?

The psalm shows that God is eternal, but people are not. We are here for a short time. That’s why we should live each day with care and stay close to God.

Why is this psalm used at funerals?

It speaks about life, death, and the hope we find in God. It helps people pray during times of loss. It also reminds us to trust that God is with us.

What can I learn from this psalm?

You can learn to make the most of your time, to ask for God’s mercy, and to trust Him. It is a good prayer for when life feels hard or confusing.

Can I pray this psalm on my own?

Yes. You can pray it anytime. It is a good prayer for quiet times, before work, or when you are feeling tired or unsure. It helps you focus on God.

Psalm 90 is a prayer that reminds us how short life is. It tells us that people come and go like grass, but God is always the same. He has been our shelter for every generation. This helps us see that we need to turn to Him every day. We are not in control, but God is.

The psalm asks God to teach us to number our days. This means we should live each day with care. We are called to use our time well. The psalm also asks for mercy. It reminds us that God sees our sins, but He is also full of kindness. We can always come back to Him.

This prayer is also about work. It ends by asking God to bless the work of our hands. Catholics believe that work is part of our calling. When we do our jobs, care for our families, or help others, we are serving God. This psalm helps us offer each task to Him.

Psalm 90 is a quiet reminder to live wisely, trust God, and seek His help. It connects the past, present, and future. It helps us pray during busy times, hard times, and even times of loss. It is a simple but strong prayer for people of all ages.

Have you ever felt like life was rushing past you? Psalm 90 helps us slow down and think about what matters. It reminds us to trust God and ask Him to guide our days. It also gives us hope that our daily work has meaning.

Take a moment to read Psalm 90 on your own. Let the words sink in. Then come back and tell us what part of the psalm speaks to you. Share your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear how this prayer touches your life.