Even the daily liturgical celebrations are not enough to express the fullness of the mystery of Jesus. The Church, in obedience to Jesus' command to pray always, established the Liturgy of the Hours (Luke 18:1). This is a collection of psalms, readings, hymns, and prayers chosen to develop the themes for the seasons and feasts of the liturgical year. It is designed to be prayed with others at various hours throughout the day in order to consecrate time and all human activity as well as to foster a sense of Christian community.

This form of prayer developed in the monasteries, and later became a required daily prayer for all clergy. More and more parishes today are prominently celebrating the Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, especially on Sundays.

Besides being a way to offer God praise, this little-known liturgy also fosters a deeper sense of community since it is a public prayer, offered in common.

Excerpt from Worship and Sacraments: We Celebrate, We Praise by Mary Kathleen Glavich, S.N.D. and Loretta Pastva, S.N.D. Copyright © 1992: Benziger Publishing Company, P.O. Box 544, Blacklick, OH, 43004-0544. Used with written permission of the publisher.