God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me. This simple line, often the opening of the Liturgy of the Hours, encapsulates a profound invitation: to join the Church in a continuous cycle of prayer and praise. But what exactly is the Liturgy of the Hours, and why should you, as a layperson, consider incorporating it into your daily life? This layman’s guide aims to demystify this ancient practice and offer a practical introduction to praying with the Church.
The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office or Breviary, is often perceived as a prayer reserved for priests, monks, and nuns. However, the Second Vatican Council explicitly states that it is “our association with Christ in singing that eternal hymn of praise.” This means that every baptized Christian is invited to participate in this rich and rewarding form of prayer. Whether prayed alone in the quiet of your room or in community with others, the Liturgy of the Hours offers a unique opportunity to connect with God and the universal Church.
What is the Liturgy of the Hours?
The Liturgy of the Hours is a structured cycle of prayer that marks the different times of the day. It’s considered a liturgy, like the Mass, because it’s a public prayer of the Church, incorporating hymns, psalms, scripture readings, and intercessions according to the liturgical calendar. This distinguishes it from private devotions like the Rosary. While private devotions are valuable, the Liturgy of the Hours offers a way to participate in the official prayer life of the Church.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Many people are unfamiliar with the Liturgy of the Hours, and those who are may find it intimidating or inaccessible. Let’s address some common reactions:
“Never Heard of It.” This is understandable. While the Liturgy of the Hours has a rich history, it’s not always widely promoted within the Catholic Church. The core of the Liturgy of the Hours lies in the Psalms. There are typically five “hours,” or prayer times, throughout the day:
- Morning Prayer (Lauds): Prayed at dawn, offering praise and thanksgiving for the new day.
- Daytime Prayer (Terce, Sext, None): Prayed during the morning, midday and afternoon, these hours offer intercessions and petitions for God’s help.
- Evening Prayer (Vespers): Prayed at sunset, expressing gratitude for the day’s blessings and seeking forgiveness.
- Night Prayer (Compline): Prayed before retiring for the night, offering a final prayer for peace and protection.
- Office of Readings: Can be prayed at any time of day, offering more in-depth scriptural and theological readings.
Each “hour” typically takes about 15-20 minutes to pray.
Night Prayer can be particularly moving. As Psalm 88 in Friday night prayer reminds us, “Darkness is my only companion.”
Timothy Gallagher describes the Liturgy of the Hours as “first and above all a prayer of praise; then, immediately after that, a prayer of intercession for the salvation of the whole world, for the needs of all the members of the Church and all the people in the world.”
Anyone can pray this, and if the book is intimidating, the iBreviary app offers a user-friendly approach.
“It’s Beautiful, but I’m Tired.” The beauty of the Liturgy of the Hours lies in its use of the Psalms, which express the full spectrum of human emotions, from joy and gratitude to sorrow and anger. By praying the Psalms, we connect with the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, finding solace and inspiration in their words.
The opening line, “God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me,” is a humble recognition of our dependence on God. If fatigue is a concern, remember that you don’t have to pray all five hours. Choose one or two that fit into your schedule. Even a few minutes of prayer is valuable.
“Not Interested.” That’s perfectly acceptable. The Liturgy of the Hours is just one of many ways to pray. Other options include the Rosary, the Examen, Ignatian contemplation, and Lectio Divina. The key is to find a form of prayer that resonates with you and helps you grow closer to God.
Getting Started with the Liturgy of the Hours
If you’re curious about trying the Liturgy of the Hours, here are a few suggestions:
- Start Small: Choose one hour, such as Morning or Evening Prayer, and commit to praying it for a week.
- Use a Resource: The iBreviary app is an excellent resource for beginners. It provides the texts for each hour in an accessible format.
- Seek Guidance: If you’re using a physical copy of the Liturgy of the Hours, ask someone experienced in praying it for help. Learning by doing is often the best approach.
- Be Patient: It takes time to become familiar with the structure and content of the Liturgy of the Hours. Don’t be discouraged if you find it challenging at first.
Praying in Communion
Even when praying alone, you are never truly alone. By praying the Liturgy of the Hours, you are joining your voice to the voices of countless others around the world, both living and dead, who are united in praising God.
The Transforming Power of Prayer
Joan Chittister, O.S.B., a Benedictine sister, beautifully articulates the transformative power of prayer: “We go to prayer to be transfigured ourselves, to come to see the world as God sees the world, to practice the presence of God, to put on a heart of justice, of love, and of compassion for others.” By immersing ourselves in the word of God through the Liturgy of the Hours, we can gradually develop a deeper understanding of God’s will and a greater capacity for love and compassion.
The Liturgy of the Hours is an invitation to enter into a deeper relationship with God and the Church. It may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and perseverance, it can become a source of profound spiritual nourishment. Give it a try, and discover the beauty and power of praying with the Church.
