Even though the Liturgy of the Hours is required for clergy and others living a consecrated life, laypeople can also benefit a lot from the practice. [3] X Research source

The Office of Readings: Can be prayed at any time of day, but normally prayed immediately before the Office of Morning Prayer. You may also choose to do this prayer at night, before you sleep. [5] X Research source The Office of Morning Prayer: Also known as Lauds, it is generally prayed at around daybreak, or 6 a. m. If waking up early is difficult for you, you can also pray this office the night before. [6] X Research source The Office of Evening Prayer: Also referred to as Vespers, it is normally prayed at sunset, or around 6 p. m. [7] X Research source

If you’re using a physical breviary, it’s important to have a guidebook to help you find the proper prayers for the day. Your church may have a guidebook for you to follow, or you can pick up a copy of the Saint Joseph Guide for the Liturgy of the Hours. If you’d prefer the convenience of a digital breviary, consider downloading a smartphone app or visiting a website like iBreviary.

If you belong to a specific church, they might have their own schedule of prayers for you to use. Your guidebook will have two options: one set of prayers for the single-volume Christian Prayer, and another set of prayers for the four-volume Liturgy of the Hours. A digital breviary will automatically provide you with the proper prayers for the day, which means you won’t need a guidebook.

Begin by saying, “Lord open our lips, and we shall praise your name. ” Say the antiphon: “The Lord is the king of martyrs: come, let us adore him, alleluia. ” Then, recite Psalm 94 (95) (“Come, let us rejoice in the Lord…”) If you’re praying with others, repeat the antiphon after every verse. If you’re by yourself, just once at the beginning is okay.

Start by saying, “O, God, come to our aid: O Lord make haste to help us. ” Recite the “Glory Be”: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. ” As you recite the prayer, bow your head when you say “Father,” “Son,” and “Holy Spirit. ”[12] X Research source

A selection of hymns A Psalm A passage from scripture A responsory (not included in the Office of Readings)

The Canticle of Zechariah, to be prayed after Lauds. The Canticle of Mary, to be prayed after Vespers.

The Office of Midmorning Prayer: Known as Terce, this prayer normally occurs around 3 hours after sunrise, or 9 a. m. The Office of Midday Prayer: Called Sext, this prayer takes place around noon. The Office of Midafternoon Prayer: Also known as None, this prayer occurs around 3 p. m. The Office of Night Prayer: Also called Compline, this prayer happens before you sleep, or around 9 p. m.

Start by saying, “O, God, come to our aid: O Lord make haste to help us. ” Recite the “Glory Be”: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. ” When saying the prayer, bow your head when you say “Father,” “Son,” and “Holy Spirit. ”[17] X Research source

A choice of a hymn A few Psalms A short passage of scripture A concluding prayer