Uniting Our Prayer with the Church

Rosemary Bogdan reviews The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours by CatholicMom.com editor Barb Szyszkiewicz.

Have you ever considered praying the Liturgy of the hours but then thought it just way too complicated? You are not alone. But The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours by Barb Szyszkiewicz (Shish-KEV-itch) may change all that.

HLGLOTH cover 01-2023

The first few chapters offer a definition and history of the Liturgy of the Hours. Barb explains that “the Liturgy of the Hours unites those in prayer with the whole Church.” She explains that the prayers include a cyclical recitation of the psalms but also include passages from the Old and New Testaments. It originated with the ancient Jewish practice of praying three times daily and was integrated into the prayer life of the very early Church.

While the Sacrifice of the Eucharist can only be offered by a priest, the Liturgy of the Hours is a sacrifice of praise that can be offered by anyone.

You will learn the distinct books that can be used to pray the Liturgy of the hours and the difference between each. Most importantly, in her warm and encouraging style, Barb will convince you that you can learn to pray this way and that you will be richly rewarded for doing so. Barb explains,

There is a learning curve, but you get to pray as you learn—and learn as you pray. Even if you don’t get all the details right every time while you’re learning, you are still praying. Yes, praying the Liturgy of the Hours can be complicated, but don’t worry: We’re going to walk together through the basics of this beautiful way to pray.

She convinced me. I now have the single volume Christian Prayer and am ready to get started. Yes, it seems a little complicated at first. But with this little book at your side, you will learn to do it. Barb writes,

In the same way that you learned how to respond at Mass and when to sit, stand, and kneel by attending Mass and following the example of others, you will learn to pray the Liturgy of the Hours by praying.

Pope Benedict XVI encourages us all to pray this way:

I would … like to renew to you all the invitation to pray with the Psalms, even becoming accustomed to using the Liturgy of the Hours of the Church, Lauds in the morning, Vespers in the evening, and Compline before retiring.

Lauds is Morning Prayer, Vespers is Evening Prayer, and Compline is Night Prayer. The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours explains all these terms.

You will even learn about the nitty-gritty of the Liturgy of the Hours—the four-week cycle and the five seasons as well as how Solemnities, Feasts, and memorials fit in. Ever wonder about all those ribbons? Barb will tell you where to put them and even offers suggestions on where it might be helpful to place a holy card for reference.

Why should you do it? It helps you keep attuned to the liturgical year. “The liturgical year brings variety, while the repetition of the psalms provides familiarity in a beautiful balance.” It will also help you become more familiar with Scripture. Barb continues,

On some feast days, you’ll have the opportunity to read from primary sources by or about a particular saint, and on every feast day, there’s a short biography of the saint(s) for that day.

Not convinced yet? There is a whole chapter on the obstacles and how to overcome them. She will answer all the objections. It’s hard. It’s complicated. I tried and gave up. Kindly, she responds:

They’re right; it doesn’t come easy at first. Neither does driving a car, baking bread from scratch, or learning to write your name. Like those skills and many others, this form of prayer requires patience, perseverance, and practice.

I believe she is right. I have my Christian Prayer book on my desk, large type edition, mind you. Let’s keep it simple. I don’t want to have to look for my glasses. Does The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours make it easy? No, I think there will still be a learning curve. But the guide makes it do-able. Already, many of my questions are answered.

Written in a very readable style, this guide could have a place in every parish and family library. It’s needed and valuable. Less than 100 pages and measuring only about 4x6 inches, it could easily fit in a purse. Check it out.

I will open that book of Christian Prayer, frequently reference this Handy Little Guide, and unite my prayer with the whole Church. I urge you all to do the same. It might very well change your prayer life!

We are one Body. Do you see the value in praying in union with the whole Church, as Christians have done for some 2000 years?

Ask for The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Our Sunday Visitor.