Practical Guide For The Liturgy Of The Hours

Book that offers guidance to help Catholics pray in a rich and meaningful way

You don't live in a cloister or a monastery, but you take your prayer life seriously and want to explore ways to pray regularly and better. The Liturgy of the Hours is one of those ways—but for those of us who find it a little intimidating, Daria Sockey provides a solid overview to this ancient prayer practice. The Everyday Catholic's Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours will answer questions like: What is the history of the Liturgy of the Hours? How can the Liturgy of the Hours fit into a busy schedule? Why is the Liturgy of the Hours relevant today? Print or online resources: Which is better? There is a rhythm of prayer, not just throughout the day, but throughout the year. Sockey explores the spiritual riches of the seasons, the saints, and special feast days, which add depth and variety to prayer. She also addresses the practice of praying the Scriptures, especially the psalms, and helps the reader to appreciate the universal beauty of these ancient prayers. Don't let concerns about "what page am I supposed to be on?" scare you away. Sockey will be your guide to answer common questions and overcome common fears. Your prayer life will never be the same!

Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have consecrated time by pausing at various moments throughout the day to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office. Day after day, hour after hour, Christians unite their hearts with Christ and his Church as they pray the Divine Office. This book will assist parish communities and groups of Christians who wish to gather to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

Preparing Parish Liturgies provides historical background, synopses, and careful outlines of the Church's major liturgical books and documents. Then, with easy-to-understand language, helpful charts, and sound liturgical principles, the author arms both the veteran and the novice with practical tools for preparing parish liturgies that are both faithful to the Church's rich tradition and sensitive to the pastoral needs of their assemblies.

Father Timothy Gallagher, loved for his popular guides to Ignatian spirituality, shares in this informative, inspiring volume his own experiences and insights into the daily prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, which he has prayed daily for the last 40 years. All around the world, everyday, for hundreds of years, Catholics pray the psalms, and readings from the bible and from tradition, in a formal way called the Liturgy of the Hours. And like in any meditative practice there are blissful days and others that are just a dry challenge. What does it all mean? Can the Liturgy of the Hours, with its hymns, psalms, readings, and intercessions, become the prayer of every Christian--priest, religious, and layperson? Can it bring new energy into our spiritual lives? Fr. Tim shares his experiences praying the Liturgy of the Hours for the last four decades and invites the reader into the beauty and possibilities of this simple way of praying.