Hours of Prayer
The Hours of Prayer are the Church’s daily prayer, traditionally known as the Liturgy of the Hours or the Divine Office. They mark the passing of the day with psalms, short readings, and prayer so that the whole of life may be offered to God. For centuries the Church has prayed in this way through the day — a rhythm of praise, listening, thanksgiving, and trust.
On Prayer on Fire you will find a simplified, prayable form of the Hours using public-domain Scripture and original texts written in a quiet voice. There is no need for a multi-volume breviary and no pressure to pray every Hour. First Light, Morning, Midday, Evening, and Last Light are the names we use here. Begin with the one that fits the time of day, or simply the one you are ready for. This page is only a door; the prayer itself is the Hours.
The five Hours
- First LightLonger Scripture and a second reading — the Office of Readings shape for deeper listening.
- Morning PrayerPraise at the beginning of the day; light overcoming darkness.
- Midday PrayerFidelity in the middle of ordinary work and the day’s heat.
- Evening PrayerThanksgiving for the day that is ending; Christ the light that does not fade.
- Last LightTrust and protection as night comes; peaceful entrusting of the day to God.
Resources
More teaching about the Hours will appear here over time. For now, the best way to understand them is to pray one.
An original Prayer on Fire offering for the hours of the day