Liturgies
The Liturgy of the Hours
3. Outline of the Liturgy of the Hours
(The structure for each prayer is similar, with some variations.*)
Morning Prayer
Morning Prayer structure: (Be sure that all have worship aid)
Entrance Procession (May begin with all seated in place)
The beginning of the hour: (all standing) Sign of the cross or Introduction to Daily Office –
- Invitatory: Sign of the cross on lips
- Doxology (Glory Be…): Profound bow at name of Trinity
- Invitatory psalm
Hymn (all standing) - corresponds to time of day and season, crucial to setting the tone
Psalms (all sitting or standing)
(Below the psalm number, there is a Title, of Old Testament origin put in Christic context, then a Caption, from New Testament or Patristic source)
- Antiphon 1
- Psalm, 147 psalms used; 3 imprecatory (cursing) psalms omitted
- Doxology:
- Antiphon 1
- Psalm Prayer (optional)
Silence: It is in the silence that God speaks!
- Antiphon 2,
- Canticle,
- Doxology
- Antiphon 2
- Psalm Prayer (optional)
Silence
- Antiphon 3,
- Psalm,
- Doxology
- Antiphon 3
- Psalm Prayer (optional).
Silence
Scripture Reading (all sit) May be lengthened
- Brief Homily may follow
Silence
Short Responsory or psalm
Gospel Canticle
- Gospel Canticle Antiphon (sitting) Incense may be prepared
- Canticle (all standing) Make sign of cross at beginning
- Antiphon repeated
Intercessions – choice of through composed response; or invariable response with large gathering
Our Father
Concluding Prayer
Blessing and Dismissal Alternative form for lay presider
*Evening Prayer may include additional elements: Lucerarium (lighting of candles), incense rite at Psalm 141 and Canticle of Mary (Magnificat).
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