What is the Liturgy of the Hours?

The Liturgy of the Hours (also called the Divine Office or Breviary) is the official daily prayer of the Church, sanctifying the various hours of the day and night with psalms, hymns, Scripture readings, and intercessions. It is obligatory for clergy and religious but is open and encouraged for all the faithful. The principal hours are: (1) Office of Readings — may be prayed at any time; includes extended Scripture and patristic readings. (2) Morning Prayer (Lauds) — prayed at dawn, consecrating the day to God. (3) Daytime Prayer (Terce, Sext, None) — brief prayers at mid-morning, midday, and mid-afternoon. (4) Evening Prayer (Vespers) — prayed as the day ends, giving thanks. (5) Night Prayer (Compline) — the final prayer before sleep, commending oneself to God. The psalms are arranged so that the entire Psalter is prayed over a four-week cycle. The Liturgy of the Hours connects individual prayer to the universal Church's worship and fulfills St. Paul's command to 'pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17).