How to Pray the Liturgy of the Hours: A Beginner’s Guide for Catholics
Have you ever wanted to deepen your prayer life and stay connected with God throughout the day? The Liturgy of the Hours, also called the Divine Office, is one of the Church’s greatest treasures—and it’s not just for priests or monks. Lay Catholics are welcome and encouraged to pray it too, even if just a little at a time.
What Is the Liturgy of the Hours?
The Liturgy of the Hours is the official daily prayer of the Catholic Church, composed of psalms, Scripture readings, hymns, and intercessions. It is prayed by clergy, religious, and laity around the world to offer praise to God and to sanctify the day through prayer.
It is a way of uniting our hearts with the prayer of the Church and with Christ Himself, who continually intercedes for us.
Is It Required?
No. Lay Catholics are not required to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.
However, bishops, priests, and most religious are required by the Church to pray it daily as part of their vocation. For laypeople, it is entirely optional—but encouraged for those who wish to deepen their spiritual lives and join in the Church’s daily rhythm of prayer.
When Is It Prayed?
The day is structured into a series of “hours” or appointed times for prayer. Each one has its own tone and focus.
- Office of Readings – Can be prayed at any time; includes longer readings from Scripture and writings of saints or Church Fathers.
- Morning Prayer (Lauds) – Prayed early in the day to offer it to God in praise.
- Daytime Prayer – Prayed mid-morning, noon, or mid-afternoon to pause and reconnect with God.
- Evening Prayer (Vespers) – Prayed at sunset in thanksgiving and reflection.
- Night Prayer (Compline) – Prayed before bed, asking for peace and protection during the night.
Many laypeople begin with Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer, which are considered the two “hinges” of the day.
What Does Each Hour Include?
Each hour of prayer generally includes:
- Psalms – Prayed just as Jesus and the early Church prayed them.
- Scripture Readings – A short passage from the Bible.
- Canticles – Scriptural hymns such as the Benedictus or Magnificat.
- Intercessions – Petitions for the Church, the world, and the needs of the faithful.
- Closing Prayer and Blessing
Some hours also include an opening hymn, a brief examination of conscience (at night), or antiphons.
How to Get Started
You don’t need to be an expert or own a breviary to begin. Here's a simple path for beginners:
Step 1: Choose One Hour
Start small. Many begin with either Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, or Night Prayer.
Step 2: Use a Guided Resource
These tools provide the correct prayers each day and are very user-friendly:
- iBreviary – Free app and website
- DivineOffice.org – Includes audio and text
- Universalis.com – Offers clear structure and explanations
Step 3: Pray Simply and Reverently
You can pray silently or aloud, alone or with others. What matters most is the heart. God sees and honors your effort.
Why Pray the Liturgy of the Hours?
- You join in prayer with the entire Church, both on earth and in heaven
- You become immersed in Scripture, especially the Psalms
- It brings order, peace, and sacred rhythm to your day
- You fulfill the biblical call to constant prayer:
“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Seven times a day I praise you.” – Psalm 119:164
A Gift for the Whole Church
The Second Vatican Council emphasized that the Liturgy of the Hours is a gift for all the faithful, not only for priests and religious. Even a single hour of prayer each day draws you closer to Christ and more deeply into the heart of the Church.
Ready to Begin?
You don’t have to be perfect or pray every hour. Just begin.
Let the Liturgy of the Hours shape your day, nourish your soul, and draw you into the timeless prayer of the Church.
