The Liturgy of the Hours/Divine Office is the universal prayer of the Church and an ancient monastic tradition that infuses the hours of the day with prayer. This prayer uses the psalms and scripture for its basic form and structure. The Liturgy of the Hours is fundamental for contemplative communities, but it is also prayed, communally or in private, by religious, priests, and the laity from all walks of life.
At our monastery, we chant the hours of lauds, vespers, and the office of readings. Vespers includes a time of intercessory prayer for the needs of the world, the intentions of those who have asked for prayer, and the concerns we carry in our hearts.
During the office of readings, we combine longer scriptural texts with contemporary interpretations and reflections.
Compline or night prayer is prayed in solitude when the day is complete.
