Difference between Liturgy of the Hours and the Christian Prayer book?

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Some people I know have recommended to me the Liturgy of the Hours. When I look in the Catholic bookstore, I always see the 4-volume LotH, and then I see the 1-volume “Christian Prayer” book, which is supposed to be the Liturgy of the Hours, but shorter.

The idea of joining in the regular prayer of the Church, united with priests, religious, and the laity throughout the world is exciting. But I must admit that I’m a little confused as to what the differences between the two.

Can someone articulate to me the differences between the two? (Both significant differences, and any less-noticeable differences that some of you may have come across, would be greatly appreciated.) I would like to make a good decision on which one is right for me at this point in my life. (I work a regular accounting job during the day, and my prayer life at this point, is erratic at best. Lots of rosaries in the car on my way to work, but it’s distracting to pray and pay attention to traffic and the lovely Massachusetts potholes at the same time!)

Thank you all!
Tim
 
The Liturgy of the Hours is prayed every three hours day and night by contemplative religious orders. (Cloistered nuns/monks). It is wonderful but almost impossible for a lay Catholic with a busy life. It consists of several volumes.

The church recognized the need for lay Catholics to have a structured prayer resource like the Liturgy of the Hours and that is the “Christian Prayer.” It is the short version of the Liturgy of the Hours. The “Christian Prayer” is only one volume. It takes you through each season in the Church day-by-day. Each “hour” contains psalms, short pslam-prayers, scripture readings, responsory prayers, intercession prayers, and canticles. You also have the option of the “Office of Readings” which are selections from the Bible or writings of Saints and Church Fathers.

This book was designed for lay Catholic’s with busy lives just like yours. I highly recommend it.
 
Christian Prayer basically has Morning and Evening Prayer in their entirety and truncated versions of the Office of Readings and Daytime Prayer. I’m not sure if Night Prayer is presented complete in Christian Prayer- I’d have to compare them.
 
Thanks for the info! Just as a follow-up question. Marie, you mentioned that each “hour” contains psalms, short psalm-prayers, etc. What did you mean by putting the quotes around the word “hour”? Is it supposed to be done every hour, or are they considered “optional”, or what?

I guess I’m just looking for more info on HOW it’s done. I’ve glanced at the Christian Prayer book before, and frankly, it sort of confused me! Thanks again!
 
There is also Shorter Christian Prayer. This contains the Morning and Evening Prayer for Ordinary Time as well as Night Prayer. One week of Morning and Evening Prayer is supplied for Advent, Lent and Easter as well as for Solemnities and some Feasts.

It is a very abbreviated form, but is an inexpensive way to start.

I always prefer to make cheap mistakes when trying something new.
 
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tjw163:
Thanks for the info! Just as a follow-up question. Marie, you mentioned that each “hour” contains psalms, short psalm-prayers, etc. What did you mean by putting the quotes around the word “hour”? Is it supposed to be done every hour, or are they considered “optional”, or what?

I guess I’m just looking for more info on HOW it’s done. I’ve glanced at the Christian Prayer book before, and frankly, it sort of confused me! Thanks again!
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The Liturgy of the Hours are about the sanctification of time, that is, of each day, and is linked with the Feasts and Seasons of the Liturgical Year as well as with the natural rhythms of the day, especially the alternation of light and darkness. So it is not every hour of the day, but the natural rythym of light to darkness. Morning, Daytime and Evening “Hours” Especially true for a lay person who is not in community. You just pick your three times per day according to your ability. How To

Here is an easy way to get started. You don’t even have to pick up or buy a book. 😉

Online Liturgy of the Hours
 
Liturgy of the Hours is the 2nd highest form of prayer outside of our Holy Mass
 
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Leo44:
Liturgy of the Hours is the 2nd highest form of prayer outside of our Holy Mass
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Actually I have heard that stated before but it isn’t true.
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		 			 When a person told this to a priest I know he said that the Liturgy of the Hours is a powerful prayer but not the "2nd highest form", the 7** sacraments** are a form of prayer that is higher.
Prayer is important, but you shouldn’t try to start ranking “power” of prayers. It tends toward new age and superstition.
 
Hi.

The four volume set of the LOTH, came out in late 1974 (actually most places didn’t have it until 1975); before that The Christian Prayer, was being used as the “interm” beviary, until the more complete four volume set was ready. (I went to the seminary in 1974 - 1978). Both are very good to use for daily prayer, the four volume set offers a much more fuller slection of readings and meditations, from the New and Old testement, readings from the church fathers, antiphons, etc.
Yes the four volume set is more expensive, however I solved that by buying one volume at a time, just before the season the particular volume was to start. (Only one volume is used at any one time ) This way I spread the cost over a whole year, every three or four months.
:blessyou:
 
also keep in mind that the LOTH that is most common is the Office for the archdioscese of new york, many religious orders and even individual monestaries have their own office (like St Martin’s in olympia… a benedictine from there and a few other people and I were doing the vespers under his lead, it’s a whole different prayer than the diocisean vespers). if he wanted, the bishop could write his own office and require his priests to pray it, but most all US bishops just use the NY Breviary (which is itself based on an international diocisean standard, i think) and call it good.
 
drforjc said:
Christian Prayer basically has Morning and Evening Prayer in their entirety and truncated versions of the Office of Readings and Daytime Prayer. I’m not sure if Night Prayer is presented complete in Christian Prayer- I’d have to compare them.
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I too have Christian Prayer (which I love!! It’s so cool.) Anyway, just an FYI:

I just compared the “Night Prayer” of my Christian Prayer book with the “Night Prayer” for today that is posted at divineoffice.org; they are different up to the psalmody. There is a part after the the examination of conscience that is not included in Christian Prayer, also, the hymns are different.

The Morning and Evening Prayers appear to be identical.

Peace
 
Marie said:
The Liturgy of the Hours is prayed every three hours day and night by contemplative religious orders. (Cloistered nuns/monks). It is wonderful but almost impossible for a lay Catholic with a busy life. It consists of several volumes.

The church recognized the need for lay Catholics to have a structured prayer resource like the Liturgy of the Hours and that is the “Christian Prayer.” It is the short version of the Liturgy of the Hours. The “Christian Prayer” is only one volume. It takes you through each season in the Church day-by-day. Each “hour” contains psalms, short pslam-prayers, scripture readings, responsory prayers, intercession prayers, and canticles. You also have the option of the “Office of Readings” which are selections from the Bible or writings of Saints and Church Fathers.

This book was designed for lay Catholic’s with busy lives just like yours. I highly recommend it.
Click to expand...
Is the Saint Joseph Daily Prayer Book the same as the Christian Prayer book?
 
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