Today's Christian Liturgy of the Hours

The Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) is the ancient cycle of Christian prayer sanctifying each part of the day. It spans from pre-dawn Matins through to bedtime Compline. Lauds (morning) and Vespers (evening) are the two 'hinge' hours considered most important.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Liturgy of the Hours?

Also called the Divine Office, it is the official daily prayer of the Catholic and other Christian churches. Rooted in monastic tradition, it structures the day with seven prayer times (canonical hours) as described in the Rule of St Benedict.

Which hours are most important?

Lauds (morning prayer) and Vespers (evening prayer) are considered the two 'hinge hours' — the most important canonical hours. Compline (night prayer) is also widely observed by lay Christians.

Do all Christians follow this?

The full Divine Office is primarily observed by Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican monastics and clergy. However, Lauds, Vespers and Compline are also prayed by many lay Christians worldwide.

Christian Liturgy of the Hours – Methodology

Matins = 02:30–03:30. Lauds = sunrise − 15 min to sunrise + 15 min. Terce = 09:00–09:30. Sext = solarNoon − 15 min to solarNoon + 15 min. None = 15:00–15:30. Vespers = sunset − 15 min to sunset + 15 min. Compline = 21:00–21:30.

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