What is the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office)?
The Liturgy of the Hours (the Breviary or Divine Office) is the official public liturgical prayer of the universal Catholic Church, consecrating the hours of day and night with the Psalms, canticles, Scripture readings, and intercessions. Ordained clergy and consecrated religious are canonically bound to pray the Hours daily, and the Second Vatican Council strongly encouraged the laity to pray them as well. The two hinges are Morning Prayer (Lauds) at daybreak and Evening Prayer (Vespers) at sunset, keeping the Church in unceasing prayer.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1174-1178
- Psalm 119:164
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.