Book of Hours

Book of Hours are a selection of prayers and psalms taken from long prayer books used by monks.  In the practice of Christianity, Book of Prayers mark the divisions of the day in terms of fixed times of prayer at regular intervals.

I have adapted the Book of Hours for lay people and have taught it at retreats over the years.  The spiritual discipline of a Book of Hours is an ideal way to keep in touch with the Divine as we go about our everyday life.  

Follows are the descriptions of the hours:

THE NIGHT WATCH  (12 – 5:30 a.m.)

A prayer of faith and waiting

THE AWAKENING HOUR  (5:30 – 7:30 a.m.)

It is the house of joy, arising from sleep, we raise our hearts in gratitude.

THE BLESSING HOUR, MID-MORNING  (9:30 – 11:00 a.m.) 

This is the Holy Spirit’s hour.  We break for blessings: a deep breath, a brief reflection on the nobility of work, a remembrance of God, a grateful thought, a short prayer, the day is fresh with possibility. Our work is bright with potential.

THE HOUSE OF ILLUMINATION: MID-DAY  (12 noon – 1:30 p.m.)

This the luminous hour.  There are few shadows and the intensity of the sun’s shining is a symbol for the enthusiasm we would like to bring to our work.  This is the time of day when we practice being peace, to bring peace to the world.

THE WISDOM HOUR, MID-AFTERNOON  (3 – 4:30 p.m.)

The day is aging and the shadows are growing longer.  As the earth turns away from the sun, we long to have our house in order. We look to our hearts for the wisdom to end this day well, that there be no left over bitterness abiding in us. If there is anyone we need to forgive, we seek advice from our inner teacher. This is the hour to remember love.

THE TWILIGHT HOUR, EVENING  (5 – 7 p.m.)

All around us the lamps of evening are being lit.  We too, light our inner lamp of love.

THE GREAT SILENCE, NIGHT  (8:30 – 10:30 p.m.)

Stars pierce the darkness of the night sky.  Angels of protection surround us.  Under the loving guidance of angels, we put away our fears.  We enter the comforting darkness of night robed in silence, trust and surrender.

If you are looking for ways to strengthen your faith, I highly recommend following this Book of Hours. You might even practice the Hours with a prayer partner or a circle of friends at your church.