By Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, OFM
At the Holy Spirit Seminary, the students participate in morning and evening prayers every day, which are significant components of the Liturgy of the Hours. Also known as the Divine Office, this practice signifies the daily duties we are expected to perform. The habit of praying at different times throughout the day originates from the Jewish tradition and was naturally adopted by the early Church. For example, the Acts of the Apostles recounts that Peter and John went up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour [3:1].
Today, the most complete version, recited seven times a day, is most certainly from the monastic community. However, in recent years, the popularity of smartphone apps has made it easier for the general faithful to engage with this method of prayer. What benefits might this practice offer for our spiritual growth?
Familiarity with scripture: The main content of the Liturgy of the Hours consists of Psalms and selected biblical passages that encompass important revelations. Reciting these daily will naturally enhance our familiarity with the scriptures.
Learning to pray: The Psalms themselves are prayers. Different authors may express lament or praise, allowing us to resonate with various feelings and articulate our own emotions, thereby cultivating our prayer life. Furthermore, the prayers guide us to connect with the Lord regarding the needs of the Church, society, and all people.
Sanctifying the day: Since it is structured around key moments throughout the day—such as sunrise, sunset, and before sleep—it serves to sanctify our day, putting into practice St. Paul’s teaching for the faithful to “pray without ceasing” [1 Thessalonians 5:17].
Fostering community: Traditionally, the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours in a communal setting involves a responsive reading, which encourages cooperation among brothers and sisters and nurtures a sense of community. Additionally, as Christians around the world pray at set times, we participate in the continuous praise of God carried out by the universal Church.
Engaging with history: The Psalms we recite stem from prayers thousands of years old. The chosen people and prophets of the Old Testament, as well as New Testament Christians and numerous saints, have recited them throughout the past two millennia. Such prayer allows us to genuinely engage with the long arc of history, continuing the endless journey of love between God and humanity.
The Liturgy of the Hours is a way to establish a relationship with the divine; like all relationships, it requires consistency rather than fleeting emotional experiences. Through steady commitment, we may find, often without realising it, that God draws nearer to us, and our connection with him deepens. Would you like to give it a try?
