Someone once quizzed me: “Chris, what is the Official Prayer of the Church?” I wondered: Is it the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? The Rosary? The Chaplet of Divine Mercy? What about the Our Father? Well, in case you haven’t figured it out yet based on the title, the Official Prayer of the Catholic Church is the Liturgy of the Hours. [Insert applause]

Last week, we talked about the substance of the Liturgy of the Hours, it being built heavily on praying the psalms and other canticles and readings from the Bible. This week I’d like to point out that this beautiful set of prayers, itself, is connected within the Bible. Yes, not only are we praying portions of the Bible, but the act of the prayers are referenced within scripture and tradition.

Mark 1:35 “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.” Rising before dawn is traditionally what Matins/Vigils was and it connects us with Jesus’ very own prayer-life disciplines.

Psalm 119:164 says: “Seven times a day I praise you because your judgments are righteous.” Is it a coincidence that the Liturgy of the Hours sanctifies the day and divides it into seven parts? Not at all! Let’s dive further.

1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” How does the Church in her mission accomplish this? With the Hours! As the Church marks the day with prayer in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, and other times, the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ is in continuous prayer. Our prayers are united with those throughout the Church! In essence, it is…wait for it……..catholic (universal)!

Liturgy of the Hours is slated to begin at All Saints, weekdays, 10/2 @ 8:30am.