ISN'T THAT WHAT PRIESTS AND NUNS DO?

Many Catholics have the misconception that the Liturgy of the Hours is only something that priests and religious pray. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) does state that priests, deacons, and other religious men and women "are bound to pray the entire Office every day, either in common or individually...". However, all Christians are invited to join in this form of prayer.

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

Christ taught us: "You must pray at all times and not lose heart" (Lk 18:1) and in the Acts of the Apostles there is reference to prayer being designated by the hour at which it was said. The Liturgy of the Hours, formerly called "The Divine Office", is the official daily prayer of the Catholic Church. Through the day the faithful take time out of our busy lives to turn our hearts back to God. Through prayers, psalms, Scripture and hymns, we sanctify the hours of the day and offer them to God. When the Hours are prayed by clergy and lay persons alike we are united in this beautiful prayer, and participate with fellow Catholics all around the world.

The Second Vatican Council, valuing highly this long-standing custom of the Church and wishing to renew it, provided a new form for the Divine Office, revising it so that it could more fittingly be used by all members of the modern Church.  With Vatican II came the renamed Office – The Liturgy of the Hours.

A LITTLE HISTORY

A tradition, dating back to early Christian times, the Liturgy of the Hours first began within local Churches during the celebration of the Mass.  It was considered an essential accompaniment to the Eucharistic sacrifice so that the fullness of worship in the Eucharist may pour over into each hour of the day.  Slowly, the Liturgy of the Hours developed into an instrument for individual prayer, “as a source of piety, and nourishment”. (Sacrosanctum Concilium 90) Now, by using this form of prayer, one is able to respond to the Lord’s call to pray without ceasing.

The Liturgy of the hours contains prayer for each interval of the day, including Morning Prayer (Lauds), Mid-Morning Prayer (Terce), Mid-Day Prayer (Sext), Mid-Afternoon Prayer (None), Evening Prayer (Vespers), and Night Prayer (Compline).   It is designed in such a way to fill one’s whole day with praises to God.  While religious communities engage in the full office throughout each day, the Laity may take part in the hours that coincide with their day-to-day activities.  Lauds and Vespers are considered to be the hinges of the entire Divine Office and retain the most important role. The format of Lauds and Vespers begins with a hymn corresponding to the liturgical season, followed by an Antiphon, or response.  The Psalms are then recited, and the Liturgy concludes with a scripture reading and prayer for intercession.   

WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

The Liturgy of the Hours comes in both a one volume and a four volume set.  The Four Volume Set is more in depth and includes the complete readings and all the hours of prayer. Each volume is numbered and lists the season it covers.

The one volume Christian Prayer is a condensed version of the four volume Liturgy of the Hours.  The one volume includes the same morning, daytime, evening, and night prayers.  However, it contains an abbreviated office of readings, and different hymns to be sung at the commencement of each prayer. 

Each version of the Liturgy of the Hours (one volume and four volume) includes a small booklet called the St. Joseph’s Guide, which basically serves as a map to help one navigate through the book. 

HOW TO GET STARTED

Beginning the Liturgy of the Hours may seem daunting at first.  However, a full commitment is not necessary at once.  Rather, a gradual devotion is what many people find most practical. One should keep in mind that an earnest and faithful effort is what we are called to as Christians, not immediate success.  

The Liturgy of the Hours is constructed in such a way as to reach to each member of the Church, taking into account the different vocations all are given.  For that reason, the Liturgy of the Hours continues to be the official prayer life of the Church, while also being a fruitful means of prayer for the laity.