The Liturgy of the Hours, or Divine Office, is the official prayer of the Roman Catholic Church. It is often recited by consecrated religious men and women, monks, nuns, and the clergy. During each of the canonical hours of the day religious men and women recite prayers from the Breviary that are drawn from Scripture, the Psalms, and various Catholic hymns.
The hours of the day include three major hours and two to four minor hours:
- Office of Readings, major hour
- Morning Prayer (Lauds), major hour
- Daytime Prayer (including Terce, Sext, and Non)
- Evening Prayer (Vespers), major hour
- Night Prayer (Compline)
The Liturgy of the Hours Online
There are a number of opportunities to participate in the Divine Office online using one of these websites or apps:
- The DivineOffice.org Website, App, or Podcast
- The Universalis Website
- The eBreviary Website
- The iBreviary App
- The Laudate App
Alternative Forms of the Liturgy of the Hours for Lay People
For many lay people, adding the full Liturgy of the Hours can be a challenge in daily life. Many people have a hard time entering deeply into the prayers from the Divine Office. Some authors have created some alternatives to praying the full Liturgy of the Hours, while maintaining the sanctity of the hours of the day.
Consider these resources to help you pray the hours throughout the day:
Seven Sacred Pauses by Macrina Wiederkehr, O.S.B. — Seven Sacred Pauses is a book of reflections based on the themes of the hours that monastics have remained faithful to through the ages. It is meant to be a guide for those who would like to move through their day with greater mindfulness. In particular, Wiederkehr has in mind those who do not live in monastic communities yet are searching for ways to be more attuned to the present moment. Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day, invites readers to learn how to pray the hours through the practice of consciously pausing at the seven sacred moments of each day, making their daily passage through time a more sacred pilgrimage.
A Book of Hours by Thomas Merton, edited by Kathleen Deignan — Editor Kathleen Deignan mined Merton's voluminous writings, arranging prayers for Dawn, Day, Dusk, and Dark for each of the days of the week. A Book of Hours allows for a slice of monastic contemplation in the midst of hectic modern life, with psalms, prayers, readings, and reflections.
