Liturgy of the Hours

This liturgy of the hours or divine office, enriched by readings, is principally a prayer of praise and petition. Indeed, it is the prayer of the Church with Christ and to Christ. (GILH, 1:2) The Liturgy of the Hours is the official prayer of the canonical hours by which a day is consecrated to God. The Liturgy of the Hours of the Latin Rite is also called the Divine Office. The hours at which the Liturgy of the Hours is celebrated are known as the Canonical hours. The inspiration to do this may have been fulfillment of David's words, "Seven times a day I praise you" (Ps. 119:164), as well as, "the just man mediates on the law day and night" (Ps. 1:2).

The liturgy of the hours, like other liturgical services, is not a private matter but belongs to the whole Body of the Church, whose life it both expresses and affects. Wherever possible, other groups of the faithful should celebrate the liturgy of the hours communally in church. This especially applies to parishes - the cells of the diocese, established under their pastors, taking the place of the bishop; they "represent in some degree the visible Church established throughout the world."

 

Morning and Evening Prayer (written version)

Sqpn: Portable Prayer Station