Praying the Daily Office

A reminder to those who may not be accustomed to praying "The Daily Office" as we begin another Lenten Season together with these on-line meditations.

The Daily Office, or the "Liturgy of the Hours," comes to us from the monasteries. In The Book of Common Prayer there are four liturgies for daily prayer: Morning Prayer (BCP 75-102), An Order of Service for Noonday (BCP 103-107), Evening Prayer (BCP 115-126) and Compline (BCP 127-135) Briefer, abridged versions of these four liturgies can be found on BCP 137-140 for use by individuals and families.

The Daily Office Lectionary is simply a two-year plan for reading the Bible as one prays the Daily Office. It can be found in the Book of Common Prayer starting on page 934. Since we are in Year 2 in 2012, the readings can be found on page 951. So looking ahead to tomorrow, Tuesday, Psalms 26 and 28 would normally be read in the morning while 36 and 39 would be read at night. Usually two readings would be read at Morning Prayer, e.g. Proverbs30:1-4, 24-33 and John18:28-38, while the epistle reading (Philippians 3:1-11) might be saved for Evening Prayer. Obviously people flex to fit their own availability but what this discipline does is, over the course of two years, give us an opportunity to listen to the many diverse voices found in Holy Scripture.

The meditations that will follow for the next forty days are based on this ancient Christian practice. Those who are writing devotions have been asked to reflect on either a thread that may run through all of the readings, or perhaps just one reading - or maybe even one verse from one reading, And then to connect that theme or thread or idea to their own life in Christ.

While I have said it before, it bears repeating: I am profoundly grateful to be pastoring a congregation where so many voices are willing to share their wisdom in this format. Blessings to all who read these meditations in this Holy Season through the wilderness, to the empty tomb.

Rich Simpson
Rector