#christianprayer

Heavenly Father, as this new day begins, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus. I thank You that this morning I do not fight alone. I stand covered, protected, and empowered by Your Spirit.

Your Word declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” — Psalm 27:1 ......See More

The Liturgy of the Hours (also called the Divine Office or Breviary) is the official daily prayer of the Catholic Church. It sanctifies different parts of the day with prayer, primarily consisting of psalms, scripture readings, hymns, and prayers. Clergy, religious, and many laypeople pray it daily as a way to unite themselves with the universal Church and offer praise to God.

What Does the Liturgy of the Hours Contain?

The Liturgy of the Hours is divided into canonical hours, each designed for different times of the day. The major hours include:

Office of Readings (Matins) – Can be prayed at any time; includes extended scripture readings and writings from saints or Church Fathers.

Morning Prayer (Lauds) – Prayed at dawn to give thanks and offer the day to God.

Daytime Prayer (Terce, Sext, None) – Prayed at mid-morning (Terce), midday (Sext), or mid-afternoon (None), focusing on dependence on God throughout the workday.

Evening Prayer (Vespers) – Prayed at sunset, giving thanks for the day and reflecting on God’s mercy.

Night Prayer (Compline) – Prayed before bed, asking for God’s protection during the night.

Each hour consists of:

Opening verse (e.g., "O God, come to my assistance…")

Hymn (specific to the time of day or feast)

Psalms and Canticles (from the Book of Psalms and other scriptures)

Scripture Reading (a short passage from the Bible)

Responsory (a short prayer response)

Gospel Canticles (Benedictus for Morning, Magnificat for Evening, Nunc Dimittis for Night)

Intercessions (prayers for the Church and the world)

Concluding prayer and blessing. How to Use the Liturgy of the Hours?

Choose the Right Version

The full version is in the 4-volume Breviary.

A shorter version is Christian Prayer (1-volume).

Apps like iBreviary, Universalis, or Divine Office provide digital versions.

Follow the Liturgical Calendar

The prayers change based on the liturgical season (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ordinary Time).

Feast days and solemnities have their own special prayers.

Pray at the Appointed Times

Laypeople can pray as much as they can. Morning and Evening Prayer are the most encouraged.

It can be prayed alone or in a group.

Use It as an Offering to God

The Liturgy of the Hours is not just personal devotion but an extension of the Church’s prayer.

My Faithful Father, Savior and Friend, 

My soul rejoices in You, who bids me come to Your throne of grace. I exalt You in praise and worship. You are my God and there is no other. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; keep me on the straight and narrow way, by day and by night. In Your holy, righteous name, I pray with thanksgiving. 

Amen and Amen.

50 Categories of People for Whom to Pray A breakdown of this video; I will rearrange the categories when I find some time, for now this will do. Hope you like!

Strength for the Journey ---------------------------------

Regardless of what is happening in the world, those who know the true and living God, shall be strong and do exploits in His name.They shall take root downward and bear fruit upward. They shall flourish in the courts of Almighty God, whose hand is upon them. Praise His name forevermore!

Related Bible Readings: 1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalm 18:31-32; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 28: 6-9; Psalm 46; Psalm 59:17; Psalm 73:25-26;  Philippians 4:13; Nehemiah 8:10;  Isaiah 12:2; Isaiah 40:31; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

A Prayer for Today: Lord God in heaven, You are our hope and our strength! Our lives and times are in Your hands; the sum of our years in Your book. We long for You in a dry and thirsty land. Let Your comforts delight our souls, even as we wait upon You. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that preserve, and sustain us on the journey of life. We give You all the praise! We worship none but You! Amen.