The Power and Benefits of the Divine Office
The Divine Office, also known as the Liturgy of the Hours, is the Prayer of the Church. As such, ordained men (deacons, priests, and bishops) and consecrated religious people (brothers, sisters, monks, and nuns) take vows to recite the various hours on a daily basis. Thus, there is never a time when someone is not saying this most blessed devotion.
For various reasons (one being my love for Holy Mother Church; two being my discernment of a secondary vocation), I have decided to pray a portion of the Divine Office each day. Last year, I began by simply reciting Morning Prayer each day. As time went on, I realized that it would be beneficial to add Evening Prayer to my daily regimen. After several months of that practice, I have begun to pray the Office of Readings and Night Prayer as well.
Although it sounds like a lot to try to fit into to my already-busy schedule (and sometimes it is), I have been utterly astonished at the abundance of grace these hours have brought into my life. My day is very structured, and thus I know what I have to accomplish at what times. Moreover, the Holy Spirit has given me great clarity as to how the Psalms, prayers, and readings (Scriptural and non-scriptural) apply to my life today. Finally, I know that I am being led into previously-unknown depths of prayer. Those are just a few of the many blessings (some of which are indescribable) that God has bestowed upon me because of my decision (upon God's prompting) to incorporate this practice into my spirituality.
I encourage each of you to begin praying with the Church! Start small, then work your way to bigger things. I promise that you will see blessings almost immediately!
God Bless.
For various reasons (one being my love for Holy Mother Church; two being my discernment of a secondary vocation), I have decided to pray a portion of the Divine Office each day. Last year, I began by simply reciting Morning Prayer each day. As time went on, I realized that it would be beneficial to add Evening Prayer to my daily regimen. After several months of that practice, I have begun to pray the Office of Readings and Night Prayer as well.
Although it sounds like a lot to try to fit into to my already-busy schedule (and sometimes it is), I have been utterly astonished at the abundance of grace these hours have brought into my life. My day is very structured, and thus I know what I have to accomplish at what times. Moreover, the Holy Spirit has given me great clarity as to how the Psalms, prayers, and readings (Scriptural and non-scriptural) apply to my life today. Finally, I know that I am being led into previously-unknown depths of prayer. Those are just a few of the many blessings (some of which are indescribable) that God has bestowed upon me because of my decision (upon God's prompting) to incorporate this practice into my spirituality.
I encourage each of you to begin praying with the Church! Start small, then work your way to bigger things. I promise that you will see blessings almost immediately!
God Bless.
