What do you think?
Rate this book
The Everyday Catholic's Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours
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, aka Divine Office, is one of those ways--and according to the Catholic Church, one of the very best. Long considered the sole territory of priests and religious, the digital revolution has made the Liturgy of the Hours accessible to everyone. 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 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 concept of praying with the words of Sacred Scripture--particularly the psalms-- and helps the reader to appreciate the universal beauty of these ancient biblical 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!
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!
128 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2013
208 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 2, 2013
It's so easy to think that there's not time for prayer. There's so! much! else! to do...whether laundry or bills or writing or a thousand other projects.
It's so easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices for prayer. Should I pray a rosary? Or maybe I should spend time with Scripture? Oh, wait, what about the Liturgy of the Hours?
How am I supposed to get anything else done?
Or is it just me?
My hit-or-miss relationship with the Liturgy of the Hours was recently corrected and jumpstarted by Daria Sockey's The Everyday Catholic's Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours. It's a purse-tucker of a book, short and to the point, easily to slide into the side pocket of whatever bag you have. And though it's a quick read, it's also the kind of book that has a ripple effect where it matters: on my relationship with God.
So writes Sockey in the introduction to this little tome of awesome. She doesn't let the reader down: there's no droning or lecturing. Think of a good friend pouring you a cup of coffee and telling you about their favorite pastime, answering your questions about the logistics, sharing anecdotes and facts about its implementation.
This book is amazing, in part for how accessible it makes the Liturgy of the Hours and in part for how well it’s written. Get a copy of it for yourself and read it. Let it touch your heart and transform your approach to the prayer of the Church. Then get a copy for your parish library and your best friend. It’s THAT good, I promise.
It's so easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices for prayer. Should I pray a rosary? Or maybe I should spend time with Scripture? Oh, wait, what about the Liturgy of the Hours?
How am I supposed to get anything else done?
Or is it just me?
My hit-or-miss relationship with the Liturgy of the Hours was recently corrected and jumpstarted by Daria Sockey's The Everyday Catholic's Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours. It's a purse-tucker of a book, short and to the point, easily to slide into the side pocket of whatever bag you have. And though it's a quick read, it's also the kind of book that has a ripple effect where it matters: on my relationship with God.
The opportunity to sanctify time is something we should welcome. Certainly we all value our time. We are always complaining that we do not have enough of it. We are disappointed with ourselves when we realize we've been wasting it. We marvel at the swiftness of its passing. We cling to our day planners and calendars as anchors in a storm. So it makes sense to dedicate this valuable commodity—the fleeting hours of morning, noon, evening, and night—to our Creator. To give our work, our play, our rest, and our sleep to the one who understands their purpose and destiny better than we do.
So writes Sockey in the introduction to this little tome of awesome. She doesn't let the reader down: there's no droning or lecturing. Think of a good friend pouring you a cup of coffee and telling you about their favorite pastime, answering your questions about the logistics, sharing anecdotes and facts about its implementation.
This book is amazing, in part for how accessible it makes the Liturgy of the Hours and in part for how well it’s written. Get a copy of it for yourself and read it. Let it touch your heart and transform your approach to the prayer of the Church. Then get a copy for your parish library and your best friend. It’s THAT good, I promise.
February 7, 2014
Awaking the Dawn--Morning PrayerLike most Catholic converts I eventually began wondering about the meaning of some of the terms tossed around casually by long-time Catholics ... Divine Office, breviary, and Liturgy of the Hours. Eventually, using several sources over time, I figured it out, but I'd have had a much easier time if this book had been available back then. (Just to get any other newcomers up to speed, the Liturgy of the Hours together with the Mass is the official prayer of the Roman Catholic Church which must be offered at various times of day by clergy and religious. Regular Catholics can pray it if they like. It is mostly made up of of psalms, hymns, and readings.)
Morning Prayer is one of the two principal Hours of the day on which the day's liturgy--and our own day--should hang. Hence, the Church's reference to Morning and Evening Prayer as the "hinges" of the liturgical day. That makes sense on the natural level. Our day's activity begins in the morning, and winds down in the evening. It is fitting to sanctify this beginning and ending of our daily work with liturgical prayer.
Although the entire Liturgy of the Hours is about offering to God a sacrifice of praise, no other Hour seems more praise-oriented than Morning Prayer. It's Latin name--Lauds--means just that: praises. And this makes sense, because to the mind of the Church, every morning recalls the most amazing and glorious thing that ever happened: the resurrection of Jesus. We are often told that every Sunday is a "little Easter." In the Liturgy of the Hours, nearly every morning of the year, for a few minutes at least, is a little Easter. The idea of every morning commemorating the resurrection goes back to the earliest centuries.
Daria Sockey has written a comprehensive, useful resource to the daily prayer of the Catholic Church which is built around the idea of "praying without ceasing." Sockey's book is succinct and clear. She answers all the questions I can imagine, from history to nuts-and-bolts to inspirational.
I myself was mildly interested in the Liturgy of the hours but the book was interesting enough that I read the entire thing, although I don't see myself praying the LOTH, at least anytime soon. However, it is packed with good, thoughtful commentary on prayer and that is something I need all the time.
There was certainly a time when I wondered why we were supposed to praise God so much. Was the Lord eternally fishing for compliments, like a once-beautiful woman now past her prime? So egotistical that he needed us telling him how wonderful he was every single day? ...Whether you have any interest in praying the Liturgy of the Hours or are simply a mildly interested questioner, this book is highly recommended.
... Simply put, God does not demand our praise because he needs it, but because we need it. It is for our benefit, not his. If the whole world neglected to utter a single word of praise to God, he would not be hurt of diminished in any way. But we the non-praisers, would be sadly crippled.
Praise--call it admiration or appreciation--is the most natural thing response in the world to beauty, truth, and goodness. You are not in the least worried about offending a beautiful sunset by not praising it. On the contrary, you just can't help it. Your heart leaps, and words such as, "Wow! That's incredible!" come to your lips. And then--this is important--you aren't satisfied with having praised the sunset by yourself. You open the door to the house and call to your spouse and children, "Quick! Come see the sunset before it's gone. Isn't that amazing! Look at that red streak over there. The golden border on the top of the purple..."
God, our Creator and Redeemer, the answer to the heart's deepest longings, is obviously the most worthy object of our praise. When we recognize our place in the universe ... praise of God is the only fitting response. (And that praise just as with the sunset, is largely composed of inviting others to praise him, as well.) To not recognize this is to be spiritually disabled.)
May 23, 2013
The closing words of Daria Sockey's introduction are: "Are you ready to begin the adventure?" Very appropriate in that she then immediately takes the reader on a short (only 115 pages) but full journey through the Liturgy of the Hours. Divided into three parts, she begins by explaining what the Hours is, where it comes from (many will be surprised by its early origins), and why the reader should consider praying the Hours. She provides excellent explanations and background and is quite convincing in conveying the desirability of embracing this liturgical prayer. What stands out for me is how this is an exceptional way to honor the Lord's command to "pray always" (Lk 18:1). The first section closes with a fine overview of breviaries and resources both in print and online -- something to fit everyone's needs and schedules. It really is enough to get one going with the Hours, but I would encourage folks to continue reading this book as well. Part Two deals with the "mechanics" of praying the Hours. What could be a very dry presentation is enhanced by helpful sidebars, explanations as to the "why" of the format, suggestions for getting the most out of the prayers, her personal experience and the experience of others, and spiritual aspects of the exercise. Finally, Part Three contains two chapters: the first dealing with four common "quibbles" with the Hours which she explains well; the second provides additional suggestions for enhancing the experience of praying the Liturgy of the Hours.
Whether one has great familiarity with the Liturgy of the Hours or one is just beginning to explore it, this book will be of benefit. The long time pray-er will be reminded of aspects of the Hours he may have forgotten or be introduced to new considerations or a deeper appreciation of this liturgical prayer. A person new to the Divine Office will really come to appreciate the value of this discipline without being overwhelmed by it (the author does a great job of encouraging the newcomer or very busy person to start off slowly, not biting off more than he can chew, before potentially adding more to his prayer routine). Everyone will come away with a deeper sense of the importance of regular prayer and Scripture reading. Dedicating one’s life to the Lord, day by day, hour by hour is brought home powerfully in this quick and accessible read.
Whether one has great familiarity with the Liturgy of the Hours or one is just beginning to explore it, this book will be of benefit. The long time pray-er will be reminded of aspects of the Hours he may have forgotten or be introduced to new considerations or a deeper appreciation of this liturgical prayer. A person new to the Divine Office will really come to appreciate the value of this discipline without being overwhelmed by it (the author does a great job of encouraging the newcomer or very busy person to start off slowly, not biting off more than he can chew, before potentially adding more to his prayer routine). Everyone will come away with a deeper sense of the importance of regular prayer and Scripture reading. Dedicating one’s life to the Lord, day by day, hour by hour is brought home powerfully in this quick and accessible read.
November 9, 2017
What a great introduction to what can be a very confusing topic. I have been doing the Office of Readings for about a year now using a mobile app, but trying to understand the whole of the Liturgy of the Hours, the parts and how they fit together was out of my reach.
This book helped give me that overview, helped me to define key terms and also gave me permission and guidance to try out different parts of the Liturgy of the Hours as a layperson. If you’ve had an interest in any part of the Liturgy of the Hours, but have been to confused or intimidated to approach it, I would highly recommend that you read this book! It will give you the confidence to get started and join in praying with the whole Church.
This book helped give me that overview, helped me to define key terms and also gave me permission and guidance to try out different parts of the Liturgy of the Hours as a layperson. If you’ve had an interest in any part of the Liturgy of the Hours, but have been to confused or intimidated to approach it, I would highly recommend that you read this book! It will give you the confidence to get started and join in praying with the whole Church.
July 3, 2013
Finally! An accessible yet comprehensive resource for anyone who would like to learn about the Liturgy of the Hours! Daria Sockey answered practically every question I ever had about the LIturgy of the Hours - Where did the practice come from? Why is it considered so important in the Church? How are the psalms chosen? Why the various hours? How do I pray the psalms? What are the various parts of each hour and why are they there? Where do I begin? What's the spirituality of the psalmist? From factual to practical, the author covers most of the essential steps that an ordinary lay Catholic would need to know in order to appreciate the beauty of the Liturgy of the Hours and to actually begin praying it!
November 16, 2013
Though I've been praying The Hours for over ten years, and consider myself something of an "old hand", this book was a great refresher course and a reaffirmation. It even brings to light some things I never saw before. For example: the connection between The Magnificat and 1 Samuel 2:1-10 ("Hannah's Song") - after ten years, how that one blew passed me I'll never know, but now I get it, and it's beautiful and sublime.
Strongly recommended for the novice and "the old hand".
Strongly recommended for the novice and "the old hand".
January 4, 2022
I was so grateful to find this book! I've been rereading some of my favorite historical fiction mysteries, and this time decided to indulge my curiosity in this aspect of Catholic life from the sixth and fourteen centuries. Such a huge gap between the times in which those novels took place! This must be such a rich and fascinating tradition! Now that I'm also taking a renewed in my childhood faith, this is just the kind of unfamiliar tradition that interests me most. So happy to have an primer that makes it easier to uncover these ancient mysteries!
I'd been looking into the Liturgy of the Hours online, but it's so complicated that I was struggling to figure out where to start or even what exactly it is. This book outlines everything so clearly that I can confidently open up a breviary, and it made such a compelling pitch for doing so that I immediately started doing the Morning Prayer. Delightful!
I'd been looking into the Liturgy of the Hours online, but it's so complicated that I was struggling to figure out where to start or even what exactly it is. This book outlines everything so clearly that I can confidently open up a breviary, and it made such a compelling pitch for doing so that I immediately started doing the Morning Prayer. Delightful!
July 8, 2013
I've wanted to learn how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours for a very long time. Certainly from before I'd even become a Catholic or was seriously investigating it. I think there's something very special about punctuating your day with prayer whether that's a simple bedtime prayer or Compline sung in Latin. Since I found out that the Liturgy of the Hours existed in a form (actually various forms) approved by the Church, I've made many attempts to make it part of my life. I found it boring, time consuming, complicated, unwieldy and not relevant to what I wanted to communicate to God. So I'd pray an Hour here or there and give up. Or try to do the whole Liturgy for a day and fail because I forgot about it at lunchtime. Eventually, I decided it really wasn't for me and started looking at other devotional practices. None of them stuck either.
But I did become a Catholic and am now discerning a possible vocation to the Order of Secular Franciscans. I'm in the early stages of this so don't take that as a commitment to enter formation or anything like that! But I did go to my first meeting yesterday and have been doing a lot of reading and reflecting. These have told me that the group prays Evening Prayer when they meet and Secular Franciscans are asked to make Liturgical prayer part of their life in one of several forms. And one of these is, of course, to say Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. I have to confess that my heart sank when I read this because I've tried so many times. On this occasion, however, something is different - I've found Ms Sockey's book!
I don't know what made me think that there might be a 'how to' book out there. But I ran a search on the internet last night and within seconds was downloading The Everyday Catholic's Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours to my eReader. And I've read it in less than 24 hours and have now prayed Evening Prayer quite happily and meaningfully. I feel like I've engaged with the Liturgy properly for the first time rather than muttering meaningless phrases while scanning down the page to see how much more is left to be got through.
This isn't a long book - I think it's about 150 pages of easy reading - but it's full of sensible, useful information. Some of it's the 'read once and you're done' kind of thing like how the Liturgy was developed over the centuries. But there's lots that I can see myself turning to for reference as I go through the year: What do you do when a Feast falls on the same day as a Solemnity? Over time the reader will learn these rules but for the beginner the information is all here is simple, clear and friendly prose. My own main gripe - of the psalms for a given day not matching what I'm feeling - has been laid to rest perfectly peacefully because that's not a problem once you know that the Liturgy is different from a personal devotional time and can therefore see the bigger picture.
I really think this book has everyone one could want when learning to pray the Hours and Ms Sockey has included suggestions for those who want to look deeper into one aspect or another. Incorporating the Liturgy may still be a challenge - forming a new habit always is - but I'm feeling so much more confident about it now. Thank you, Ms Sockey!
But I did become a Catholic and am now discerning a possible vocation to the Order of Secular Franciscans. I'm in the early stages of this so don't take that as a commitment to enter formation or anything like that! But I did go to my first meeting yesterday and have been doing a lot of reading and reflecting. These have told me that the group prays Evening Prayer when they meet and Secular Franciscans are asked to make Liturgical prayer part of their life in one of several forms. And one of these is, of course, to say Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. I have to confess that my heart sank when I read this because I've tried so many times. On this occasion, however, something is different - I've found Ms Sockey's book!
I don't know what made me think that there might be a 'how to' book out there. But I ran a search on the internet last night and within seconds was downloading The Everyday Catholic's Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours to my eReader. And I've read it in less than 24 hours and have now prayed Evening Prayer quite happily and meaningfully. I feel like I've engaged with the Liturgy properly for the first time rather than muttering meaningless phrases while scanning down the page to see how much more is left to be got through.
This isn't a long book - I think it's about 150 pages of easy reading - but it's full of sensible, useful information. Some of it's the 'read once and you're done' kind of thing like how the Liturgy was developed over the centuries. But there's lots that I can see myself turning to for reference as I go through the year: What do you do when a Feast falls on the same day as a Solemnity? Over time the reader will learn these rules but for the beginner the information is all here is simple, clear and friendly prose. My own main gripe - of the psalms for a given day not matching what I'm feeling - has been laid to rest perfectly peacefully because that's not a problem once you know that the Liturgy is different from a personal devotional time and can therefore see the bigger picture.
I really think this book has everyone one could want when learning to pray the Hours and Ms Sockey has included suggestions for those who want to look deeper into one aspect or another. Incorporating the Liturgy may still be a challenge - forming a new habit always is - but I'm feeling so much more confident about it now. Thank you, Ms Sockey!
June 30, 2018
Ok I am not usually prone to Hyperbole but this book is GIANT.
I have not come across any digital volume like it. There is a going chasm in available direction on how to use the Liturgy of the Hours for prayer and this books is filling that gap like the Spartans of Thermopylae.
The book is really well written, and has a friendly and engaging style. It gets straight to the point and tell you where the Liturgy of the Hours comes from what the component parts are and how you work through them.
The only other book I could find that gives any detail in regard to these matters read like it was written a hundred years ago and it is has in Latin.
Anyway of you want to learn how to pray the Liturgy of the hours this is a fantastic resource. It’s also a great resource for general informative reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book is so good I am going to read it again now.
I have not come across any digital volume like it. There is a going chasm in available direction on how to use the Liturgy of the Hours for prayer and this books is filling that gap like the Spartans of Thermopylae.
The book is really well written, and has a friendly and engaging style. It gets straight to the point and tell you where the Liturgy of the Hours comes from what the component parts are and how you work through them.
The only other book I could find that gives any detail in regard to these matters read like it was written a hundred years ago and it is has in Latin.
Anyway of you want to learn how to pray the Liturgy of the hours this is a fantastic resource. It’s also a great resource for general informative reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book is so good I am going to read it again now.
November 2, 2016
Kažkada įsivaizdavau, kad katalikams užtenka per didžiąsias šventes nueiti į bažnyčią. Po to supratau, kad nueiti rekomenduojama kiekvieną sekmadienį. Dabar aišku, kad net ir neinant į bažnyčią galima tam tikra liturginė maldos forma namuose ar darbe - tai yra Valandų liturgija, ir ja rekomenduojama melstis kasdien, kad ir kur bebūtumėte. Žinoma, nekalbu apie vienuolius, kurie tai daro 7 ar 8 kartus per parą, mums pilnai pakanka 2.
Knygutė yra labai geras įvadas, autorė ne tik pateikia visą pagrindinę informaciją, bet karts nuo karto užsimena ir apie savo asmeninę patirtį. Svarbu ir tai, kad knygutė parašyta šiuolaikiniam žmogui, t.y. lengvai skaitoma, nesiplėtojama, pateikiamos nuorodos į interneto svetaines, atsakoma į dažnai pasitaikančius klausimus, diskutuotinus dalykus.
Knygutė yra labai geras įvadas, autorė ne tik pateikia visą pagrindinę informaciją, bet karts nuo karto užsimena ir apie savo asmeninę patirtį. Svarbu ir tai, kad knygutė parašyta šiuolaikiniam žmogui, t.y. lengvai skaitoma, nesiplėtojama, pateikiamos nuorodos į interneto svetaines, atsakoma į dažnai pasitaikančius klausimus, diskutuotinus dalykus.
September 21, 2013
If anyone ever says me, "I'm really interested in the Liturgy of the Hours/Breviary/Divine Office, but it's too thick and confusing, what with all those sections, and how to you figure out what goes where? Is there really any point?" this is the book I can recommend without complaint. It's a great basic level introduction to what the LOTH is, how to navigate it, what options/versions there are, as well as why to read it. I say basic level introduction as I hope there's going to be a "going deeper" type follow-on. The last two (short) chapters give a hint of what that next level could be. And now there's several other resources I need to pick up from the list in chapter 3.
February 7, 2014
A helpful guide for those who want to pray Liturgy of the Hours but find navigating through the Breviary to be confusing (example: me). The author also gives history and theological insight about LOTH, which can enrich understanding of the prayers.
June 17, 2013
An excellent how-to guide for beginners to this beautiful method of prayer, this book also covers the "why" OD this prayer. Recommended, and not only for beginners.
May 16, 2013
Great resource for all those who want to pray the Liturgy of the Hours or have been and need the understanding and inspiration to commit to it more faithfully.
July 29, 2013
I'm giving this book a B+ as being informative, easy to read and motivating.
Read my whole review at http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2013...
Read my whole review at http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2013...
September 6, 2013
Great place to start if you want to learn to pray the Liturgy.
December 30, 2013
So inspiring. :)
December 27, 2021
Overall, this is a useful guide to how to pray the LOTH. As the author notes, such guides are needed because the instructions in the official prayer materials are woefully inadequate. It could have been a little more concise, as before you get to the actual instructions (and sometimes interspersed within the instructions) there are sections that are more like a sales pitch trying to get people interested in the LOTH, rather than an instruction manual for how to get 'er done.
I wasn't really interested in the testimonials and promotion, because I've already been more or less "assigned" to do this form of prayer and was just looking for a written guide on the mechanics and a little background on why the prayer is set up in the way that it is. This Guide did cover all that once I got past the promotional padding. The final section of the book also contained good responses to issues and questions that might come up as you pray, such as why do we have to pray such violent Psalms, what if the Psalm you are praying doesn't fit with your mood, etc.
Like many modern spirituality books written by women, the author's tone sometimes comes off like a mom blog. (I understand the author did used to have a blog discussing LOTH and taking questions, which seems to have shut down in 2018.) But the book is pretty short, so that's a minor nit.
I wasn't really interested in the testimonials and promotion, because I've already been more or less "assigned" to do this form of prayer and was just looking for a written guide on the mechanics and a little background on why the prayer is set up in the way that it is. This Guide did cover all that once I got past the promotional padding. The final section of the book also contained good responses to issues and questions that might come up as you pray, such as why do we have to pray such violent Psalms, what if the Psalm you are praying doesn't fit with your mood, etc.
Like many modern spirituality books written by women, the author's tone sometimes comes off like a mom blog. (I understand the author did used to have a blog discussing LOTH and taking questions, which seems to have shut down in 2018.) But the book is pretty short, so that's a minor nit.
February 13, 2022
This was my second Liturgy of the Hours Books in a row (first being Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s) I loved both this one and Fr. Gallagher’s though! I would recommend either! (Or both!) I finally started praying the Liturgy of the Hours with my Christian Prayer book after reading this. I’ve been trying to do one liturgical hour per day (usually morning or night prayer). I’m not sure I’m doing it 100% correctly and I was maybe only 50/50 about getting it done daily, but I’m so excited about it and can’t wait to keep going.
Favorite points in the book:
• liturgy of the hours “is like a flaming torch of prayer being passed around the globe, relay style, by spiritual athletes.”
• in the past, only priests and religious could pray the divine office liturgically, but since Vatican II, the laity have now also been delegated the Hours as liturgy. (!!)
• “By praying the psalms each day, we gradually absorb their language and attitude.”
Favorite points in the book:
• liturgy of the hours “is like a flaming torch of prayer being passed around the globe, relay style, by spiritual athletes.”
• in the past, only priests and religious could pray the divine office liturgically, but since Vatican II, the laity have now also been delegated the Hours as liturgy. (!!)
• “By praying the psalms each day, we gradually absorb their language and attitude.”
October 30, 2024
Even though I'm already doing the Liturgy of the Hours (LOTH) daily for a few months, I still am glad to have read this book. Chock full of information, and truly inspiring. If you are ambivalent about starting the LOTH , reading this will make you start!
The book is well-organized. Part One starts off with the basics, such as explaining what LOTH is, why pray it, and all that jazz. Part Two then talks about the LOTH in more details (ie. explaining each part of the hours such as the antiphons and psalms). Part Three talks about the Psalms. I have to admit this is my fave part as it really explains in easy terms the importance of the Psalmody and how you can apply it in your life- even when the particular Psalm may not apply to your current situation.
Highly recommend this for all Catholics wanting to know more about the LOTH!
The book is well-organized. Part One starts off with the basics, such as explaining what LOTH is, why pray it, and all that jazz. Part Two then talks about the LOTH in more details (ie. explaining each part of the hours such as the antiphons and psalms). Part Three talks about the Psalms. I have to admit this is my fave part as it really explains in easy terms the importance of the Psalmody and how you can apply it in your life- even when the particular Psalm may not apply to your current situation.
Highly recommend this for all Catholics wanting to know more about the LOTH!
Read
January 13, 2025Nice introduction to the Hours
I loved the descriptions of the various digital and hardcopy breviaries. Because I know Catholics that still use the three volume 1961 Roman missal, I would have appreciated if that were included in the list.
I loved the overview of each hour.
When I received the St Joseph's Guide, at first it looked like a crochet pattern. While reading this guide, following the guide and reading the hours started to feel like riding a bicycle.
One Question i still had after: After OoR, Does "Prayer as morning prayer" include the intercessions and prayer or just the prayer?
I loved the descriptions of the various digital and hardcopy breviaries. Because I know Catholics that still use the three volume 1961 Roman missal, I would have appreciated if that were included in the list.
I loved the overview of each hour.
When I received the St Joseph's Guide, at first it looked like a crochet pattern. While reading this guide, following the guide and reading the hours started to feel like riding a bicycle.
One Question i still had after: After OoR, Does "Prayer as morning prayer" include the intercessions and prayer or just the prayer?
December 22, 2025
I had no idea that the Liturgy of the Hours is so complicated until I read this guide. This compact book provides excellent information that gives readers a starting point and reference material for engaging with this Catholic tradition. It is more of a reference guide than an engaging read. Besides correcting a couple typographical errors, this 12+ year old edition needs an update for the chapter about what digital resources are available and where to find more information. Despite that caveat, I appreciate the author's knowledge and passion for this lesser-known style of prayer and sharing it with readers.
August 29, 2018
Perfect book for those interested in learning about the Divine Office for the first time. Trying to understand what it is and why you should think about praying it. Full of useful tips and clear definitions and explanations. I recommended for any beginner to the Liturgy of the Hours.
Only 4 stars because it is dated, referring to Pope Benedict as the current Pope and some of the resource websites listed are no longer operational. But despite this, it is still an excellent book for beginners or inquirers and at 115 pages is a quick easy read.
Only 4 stars because it is dated, referring to Pope Benedict as the current Pope and some of the resource websites listed are no longer operational. But despite this, it is still an excellent book for beginners or inquirers and at 115 pages is a quick easy read.
January 17, 2019
For any Catholic who is giving thought to praying the Liturgy of the Hours, I highly recommend this book. It has a clear breakdown of the Hours, what it's all about, how to pray it, and a variety of other information for people with questions. With the aid of technology, praying the Hours is much easier, but even if you want to start with the breviary, this book will get you there. This is part of my personal collection and I'm certain that I'll be reading / referring to it again in the future.
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5 stars
June 16, 2019
I wish I could give more than five stars.
I have been struggling with trying to pray the Liturgy of the Hours for quite some time. Each time I tried I found it very confusing. I found this book when I was almost ready to give up.
I have now been able to establish a habit of Morning Prayer and am trying to figure out how to incorporate more into my life.
The explanations are clear and concise, with enough detail to answer the questions that I wasn’t able to articulate when I tried to discuss this with friends.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
I have been struggling with trying to pray the Liturgy of the Hours for quite some time. Each time I tried I found it very confusing. I found this book when I was almost ready to give up.
I have now been able to establish a habit of Morning Prayer and am trying to figure out how to incorporate more into my life.
The explanations are clear and concise, with enough detail to answer the questions that I wasn’t able to articulate when I tried to discuss this with friends.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
March 22, 2018
Each introduction to TLOH
Daria has taken a complex subject which intimidates those trying to pray this prayer of the Church. Her approach is logical and makes sense. I encourage all those thinking of praying TLOH to take up this book and save your time at the beginning and leave the bookmarks and ribbons to a later time once you have mastered the flow of this wonderful prayer.
Daria has taken a complex subject which intimidates those trying to pray this prayer of the Church. Her approach is logical and makes sense. I encourage all those thinking of praying TLOH to take up this book and save your time at the beginning and leave the bookmarks and ribbons to a later time once you have mastered the flow of this wonderful prayer.
August 31, 2023
It is a good book and it has a lot of good and very important information, it is also very well written. I put a low rating because most of the information of the book I already knew it, so I did not enjoy the book much. But, if you are looking to get an introduction to the liturgy of the hours, it is a great way to start.
February 5, 2024
I loved this book. While “Divine Office for Dodos” was the “how”, this is the “why”. It has the historical overview, spiritual significance, a helpful list of print and online resources, and even a little section on common quibbles with praying this way. There is a section breaking down the Liturgy of the Hours but since I’m familiar with it I just skimmed it.
April 7, 2022
Daria gives the churches teaching on the liturgy of the hours, definitions of terms and how to pray each hours, and even reflects on and share the church's teaching on the Psalms. She also offers resources and tips to add the office to your own daily life
June 8, 2022
GREAT BEGINNER'S GUIDE
If you are at all interested in the, The Liturgy Of The Hours, this book is a good place to begin. I knew next to nothing about the Liturgy before reading this book and now I'm motivated to give them a try.
If you are at all interested in the, The Liturgy Of The Hours, this book is a good place to begin. I knew next to nothing about the Liturgy before reading this book and now I'm motivated to give them a try.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews