The Divine Office
The official prayer of the Church, sanctifying the entire day through psalms, hymns, and readings at set hours
What is the Divine Office?
The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, is the official public prayer of the Catholic Church. It consists of prayers, hymns, and Scripture readings that sanctify the entire day and night. This ancient tradition dates back to the early Church and continues to be prayed by priests, religious, and laity around the world.
The Divine Office is centered on the Psalms, the inspired prayer of the Old Testament. By praying the Liturgy of the Hours, we join our voices with Christ and the entire Church in praising God throughout the day.
While the full Divine Office includes all seven canonical hours, laity often focus on Morning Prayer (Lauds) and Evening Prayer (Vespers) as the two principal hours of prayer.
The Hours of Prayer
Office of Readings
After midnight or anytime
Extended Scripture readings and patristic texts
Structure:
- •Invitatory (Psalm 95 or 100)
- •Hymn
- •Two Scripture readings with responsories
- •Te Deum on Solemnities
- •Concluding Prayer
Morning Prayer (Lauds)
Early morning
Consecrate the beginning of the day
Structure:
- •Introductory verse
- •Hymn
- •Psalmody (psalms and canticle)
- •Short reading from Scripture
- •Responsory
- •Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus)
- •Intercessions
- •Lord's Prayer
- •Concluding Prayer
Daytime Prayer
Mid-morning, midday, or mid-afternoon
Brief prayer during the workday
Structure:
- •Introductory verse
- •Hymn
- •Psalmody (three short psalms)
- •Short reading from Scripture
- •Concluding Prayer
Evening Prayer (Vespers)
Evening
Give thanks for the day
Structure:
- •Introductory verse
- •Hymn
- •Psalmody (psalms and canticle)
- •Short reading from Scripture
- •Responsory
- •Canticle of Mary (Magnificat)
- •Intercessions
- •Lord's Prayer
- •Concluding Prayer
Night Prayer (Compline)
Before retiring
Entrust the night to God
Structure:
- •Introductory verse
- •Examination of conscience
- •Hymn
- •Psalmody (psalms)
- •Short reading from Scripture
- •Responsory
- •Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)
- •Concluding Prayer
- •Marian antiphon
How to Begin
Start Simple
Begin with Morning and Evening Prayer. These are the two principal hours and form the foundation of the Divine Office.
Use a Resource
Access the Liturgy of the Hours through apps like iBreviary, Universalis, or the Divine Office website.
Be Consistent
Choose a regular time each day to pray. Consistency helps develop the habit and deepens your spiritual life.
