Liturgy of the Hours

The Liturgy of the Hours: What is it and How to Pray with the Church

What Is the Liturgy of the Hours?

The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office or Breviary, is the daily prayer of the Church, marking the hours of each day and sanctifying time with prayer. It consists of psalms, scripture readings, hymns, and intercessions, prayed at specific times throughout the day. Its purpose is to unite the Church in continuous praise and intercession, joining our voices with those of Christ, the saints, and the whole Church.

Rooted in Jewish prayer traditions and formalized by the early Church, the Liturgy of the Hours is prayed by clergy, religious, and laity around the world. While priests and religious vow to pray it daily, the Church encourages all the faithful to take part as they are able.

About the Liturgy of the Hours (USCCB)

The Major Hours of the Day

The Hours follow a rhythm that mirrors the natural flow of the day:

Office of Readings – Can be prayed at any time, rich in Scripture and writings of the Church Fathers.
Morning Prayer (Lauds) – Prayed at dawn or before 9 am to begin the day in praise.
- Daytime Prayer – (Midmorning, Midday, or Midafternoon) Short prayers that sanctify daily work.
Evening Prayer (Vespers) – Prayed at sunset to thank God for the day.
- Night Prayer (Compline) – A peaceful close to the day before rest.

Why Pray the Liturgy of the Hours?

Unite with the Universal Church – Join millions in a shared rhythm of prayer.
Deepen Your Spiritual Life – Immerse yourself in Scripture and the Psalms.
Follow Christ’s Example – Jesus Himself prayed the psalms daily.
Sanctify Your Day – Transform everyday moments into encounters with God.

How to Begin Praying the Hours

Start Small – Begin with Morning and Evening Prayer, the “hinges” of the day.
Use a Guide – Try apps like iBreviary, Divine Office, or Universalis, or use a physical breviary.
Learn the Structure – Familiarize yourself with the flow: introduction, hymn, psalms, reading, and intercessions.
Pray with Others – Join a parish group or pray with family and friends.
Be Consistent, Not Perfect – The goal is regularity, not rigidity.

Resources for Praying

Apps: Universalis, iBreviary, Divine Office,
Books: Christian Prayer (Single Volume), Liturgy of the Hours (4-volume set), Word on Fire Liturgy of the Hours (Morning, Evening & Night Prayer)
Video Guides: Many dioceses and religious communities offer tutorials online.

"Seven times a day I praise you..." (Psalm 119:164)

In praying the Liturgy of the Hours, you join a centuries-old tradition of sanctifying each day with prayer, drawing closer to God and His Church.