My Prayer Book - Liturgy of the Hours

There is a story that goes along with my book.

I had a vision in my mind of what I wanted the cover to look like, but I couldn't find it in the stores.

So, I found the perfect cloth at the mission in San Lucas, it was woven by one of the local women.

I was told about a local leather craftsman by the name of Santiago. After a huge expedition, knocking on many homes and doors, meeting many "Santiagos," I found him.

I explained to him what I wanted in my poorly spoken Spanish, drew him a picture, gave him my liturgy, and then he asked me to return in a few days.

And in a few days......... he knew exactly what I wanted.....

The inside of my book.

The back of the Liturgy book.

I think of Santiago, Guatemala, and the villages each morning and night when I pray the Divine Office..

The Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office is the official set of daily prayers prescribed by the church to be recited at the canonical hours by the clergy, religious orders, and laity.

The Liturgy of the Hours consists primarily of psalms supplemented by hymns and readings.

Together with the Mass, it constitutes the official public prayer life of the church.

Upon ordination to any of the Holy Orders, the daily recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours becomes a canonical obligation.

The Liturgy of the Hours also forms the basis of prayer within Christian monasticism.

The Liturgy of the Hours, along with the Eucharist, has formed part of the Christian Church's public worship from the earliest times.

Christians of both Eastern and Western traditions (including the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Anglican churches) celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours under various names.

Within Roman Catholicism, the Liturgy of the Hours is contained within the Roman Breviary.

In Greek the corresponding services are found in the Ὡρολόγιον (Horologion), meaning Book of Hours.

Within Anglicanism, the Liturgy of the Hours is contained within the Book of Common Prayer.

Other names for the Liturgy of the Hours within the Latin Rite include the Divine Office, the Diurnal and Nocturnal Office, Ecclesiastical Office, Cursus ecclesiasticus, or simply cursus.