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We are all familiar with the liturgy we celebrate together every
Sunday, the Mass or Eucharist. But did you know there is
another liturgy of the Church, sometimes called "the official
prayer of the Church"? It is the Liturgy of the Hours, by
which we sanctify every part of the day in union with people all
over the world.
Every Wednesday during Advent and Lent at 7:00 p.m., we
celebrate evening prayer ("Evensong" or "Vespers.") together at
St. Dominic. (We call it "Evensong" or "Sung Vespers"
because, with the exception of the prayers after the Psalms and
the Scripture Reading, the entire prayer is sung by those
gathered and a cantor or choir.) This is part of the
Liturgy of the Hours.
The Liturgy of the Hours has a very ancient history stemming
from the days of the first Christians. In fact, it is very
similar to the way in which Jesus would have prayed.
During the Middle Ages it was very popular and elaborately
illuminated books were produced for people to pray the Liturgy
of the Hours, called "Hours," or "Books of Hours."
The rosary developed as a popular adaptation of the Liturgy
of the Hours, with its 150 beads representing the 150 psalms
used in the Liturgy of the Hours. Later, the Liturgy of the
Hours was called the Divine Office and it became the exclusive
duty of priests and members of religious orders, who prayed it
from books called breviaries.
The reforms of the Second Vatican Council restored the
Liturgy of the Hours to all God's people and encouraged all
Christians to avail themselves of this beautiful treasure of the
Church. Many other Christian Churches, most notably the
Anglicans (Episcopalians) kept the tradition of the Liturgy of
the Hours through services called "Vespers" or "Evensong."
A page from a medieval Book of the Hours
The Liturgy of the Hours has the following
parts:
- Office of Readings: Previously
called Matins, this was often prayed in monastic settings
early in the dark hours of the morning. Today, Office of
Readings is prayed at any time of the day.
- Morning Prayer: Previously
called Lauds, this is the first set of prayers for the
beginning of the day. Along with Evening Prayer, it is one
of the two most important hours of the day.
- Daytime Prayer: Previously the
separate hours of Terce, Sext and None, Daytime Prayer is
now a single hour to be prayed whenever it fits into one's
schedule.
- Evening Prayer: Previously
called Vespers, this is the most popular of the hours, when
we begin to wind down our day.
- Night Prayer: Previously called
Compline, this is the prayer we say before we retire to bed.
Questions and Answers
Q. Does each hour really last an hour?
A. No. The "hour" refers to the time of day. The prayer usually
lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, depending upon how it is
prayed.
Q. What does an hour consist of?
A. The main part of each hour is a selection of three psalms (or
parts of psalms or canticles from the New Testament). Office of
Readings includes two readings (from scripture and the writings
of saints or other documents).
Q. What is included in the evening prayer at St. Dominic?
A. Evening prayer has the following structure:
1. An invitation to prayer
2. A hymn
3. The three psalms
4. A brief scriptural reading and reflection
5. A short responsory, similar to the responsorial psalm at Mass
6. The Canticle of Mary, also called the Magnificat
7. Intercessions for various needs
8. The Lord's Prayer
9. A concluding prayer
10. Blessing and dismissal
Q. How do I learn how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours?
A. Come to evening prayer on Wednesdays during Advent and Lent
at 7:00pm! If you're interested in resources that teach you how
to pray the other daily "hours" stop Tim Benson after the prayer
and ask him about it. He'd be happy to show you what books are
used, how to purchase them, and can provide guides as to their
use.
Q. Do I need a book?
A. For Evensong, no. An Order of Worship is provided. If you'd
like to look further into using the Liturgy of the Hours for
your own personal use, Tim Benson has the necessary books. He'll
be happy to lend them out for examination. That way you can "try
before you buy."
Q. Can I learn more online?
A. Yes! There is a web site that provides background on the
Liturgy of the Hours and the complete texts of all the hours for
each day of the year.
Learn
more......
Mark your calendars to attend Evensong during Lent this year.
It's a wonderful, prayerful way to end a busy day. It will be
held on the following Wednesdays at 7:00pm during Lent:
February 13
February 20
February 27
March 5
March 12
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Evensong
