The Liturgy of the Hours
The Liturgy of the Hours, also called the Divine Office or the Breviary, provides liturgical prayer for various hours of the day. Rooted in the Temple Liturgy and fostered by Christian monks, the praises of God are celebrated throughout the day, in addition to the Liturgy of the Mass and the Sacraments.
There are five Divine Offices each day, for various times of the day.
- Office of Readings – also called Matins or Vigils
- Morning Prayer – also called Lauds
- Daytime Prayer – also called Terce, Sext, or None
- Evening Prayer – also called Vespers or Evensong
- Night Prayer – also called Compline
Divine Office.org makes the Liturgy of the Hours available to everyone. In the following section is a comparative overview of the five Divine Offices. There are official books and other websites and resources for these Liturgies. Please incorporate the Liturgy of the Hours in your daily prayer life. You will be blessed!
Office of Readings
Introduction and Hymn
Three Psalms
Scripture Reading
Spiritual Reading
(Vigil Prayers for Feasts)
Closing Prayers
Morning Prayer
Introduction and Hymn
Psalm – Canticle – Psalm
Reading and Response
Gospel Canticle
Petitions
Closing Prayers
Daytime Prayer
Introduction and Hymn
Three Psalms
Reading and Response
Closing Prayers
Evening Prayer
Introduction and Hymn
Psalm – Psalm – Canticle
Reading and Response
Gospel Canticle
Petitions
Closing Prayers
Night Prayer
Introduction and Hymn
Psalm(s)
Reading and Response
Gospel Canticle
Closing Prayers
The Liturgy of the Hours is for everybody! Please check out DivineOffice.org or EBreviary.com. The four-volume Breviary is also available from Catholic bookstores as well. The first prayer of each day is “Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will proclaim your praise.” Please join in the Liturgy of the Hours!
