The Liturgy of the Hours

The Liturgy of the Hours — also called the Divine Office — is the official daily prayer of the Church, which sanctifies the whole course of the day and night. Through it, Christ continues his priestly work through the prayer of his priestly people (CCC 1174).

What It Is

The Liturgy of the Hours is the Church's prayer structured around the different hours of the day: primarily Lauds (Morning Prayer), the Daytime Hours, Vespers (Evening Prayer), and Compline (Night Prayer), with the Office of Readings available at any hour. It consists mainly of the Psalms, readings from Scripture and the Fathers, and hymns (CCC 1174–1175).

Who Prays It

The Liturgy of the Hours is primarily the prayer of ordained ministers and members of religious life, who are bound to it by their state. But the Second Vatican Council emphasized that it is the prayer of the whole Church — all the faithful are encouraged to participate in it as they are able (CCC 1175).

The Sanctification of Time

By praying at set hours of the day, the faithful sanctify time itself — consecrating each part of the day to God. The rhythm of prayer throughout the day is an expression of the Church's constant prayer "without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17; CCC 1174).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Liturgy of the Hours the same as the Breviary? Yes. The Breviary is the book containing the Liturgy of the Hours. The term is most commonly used for the printed form of the prayer; many Catholics now use apps or online versions (CCC 1174).