Liturgy of the Hours

Participants will learn: to understand the origins, basic structure, and purpose of the Liturgy of the Hours; to value the Liturgy of the Hours as the official prayer of the church sanctifying the day; to make connections between the Liturgy of the Hours and Old Testament times of prayer and New Testament events; and to experience praying one of the Hours.

Liturgy of the Hours

Around the Clock

The Liturgy of the Hours is both a preparation for the Eucharist and an extension of the action of the Eucharist: praise and thanksgiving offered to God, throughout the day. The early Christians stretched their experience of Eucharist by consecrating the hours of the day and night through prayer.

Liturgy of the Hours

Child Session

Children are exposed to the Liturgy of the Hours by encouraging them to pray the daily prayer of Christ every morning when they wake, and every evening with their family.

Liturgy of the Hours

Complete IG Session

Explore the richness of Liturgy of the Hours as a Christian form of prayer not reserved exclusively for professed religious, but for all Christian believers.

Liturgy of the Hours

Facilitator Background

The Liturgy of the Hours (also known as the Divine Office or Breviary) is the richest single prayer resource of the Christian Church. It provides prayers, psalms and meditation for various times of the day to sanctify it. It has existed from the earliest times, to fulfill the Lord's command to pray without ceasing. Liturgy of the Hours, as a form of prayer, is not reserved exclusively for professed religious, but for all Christian believers.

Liturgy of the Hours

Pray Always

Our Lord asked us to Pray Always. The Liturgy of the Hours is the prayer of the church. The family is the domestic church. As the domestic church, discuss when you will pray the Liturgy of the Hours as a family.

Liturgy of the Hours

Recommended Reading and Viewing

Recommended books, videos, and web links for Liturgy of the Hours.

Liturgy of the Hours

Help youth explore our understanding of ritual and prayer throughout our day in order to deepen our appreciation for how it can connect us to the universal Church and deepen our relationship with God.