Why won't Catholic Christians recite the Liturgy of the Hours?

[Della]

There has been a movement to return the Hours to practice in the parishes of the Latin church. It has met with lackluster response in the parishes I have known about but I think it is a good idea. Many Eastern Catholic parishes are restoring the public recitation of the Hours as well, but it is not something I would call a “movement”, as there seems to be a considerable resistance to it these days.

Michael

That’s been my experience, too. Most lay people who are exposed to it feel it’s too complicated. Others think since it’s not required it smacks of being overly religious. In answer to the first objection there is Shorter Christian Prayer or Magnificat Magazine. As to the second, our priests and religious might want to encourage people more, highlighting the benefits. Especially in our times when people are being distracted by “feel good” religious sensibilities, we need the steadiness the LOTH provides for better spiritual health and growth.

 

[vocatio]

That’s been my experience, too. Most lay people who are exposed to it feel it’s too complicated. Others think since it’s not required it smacks of being overly religious. In answer to the first objection there is Shorter Christian Prayer or Magnificat Magazine. As to the second, our priests and religious might want to encourage people more, highlighting the benefits. Especially in our times when people are being distracted by “feel good” religious sensibilities, we need the steadiness the LOTH provides for better spiritual health and growth.

Amen.

 

[Sr_Sally]

It is a beautiful prayer form, but as several of you alluded to and Grandma came right out and said—it is long and a bit complicated for people who have many other responsibilities in their lives. Especially for those who are on a set work schedule and don’t have the ability to take longer breaks during the day–it is much easier to say the standard Morning Offering and an evening rosary. I use Magnificat and own a one-volume Christian Prayer, but on many days saying a family rosary is the highlight of our day and I’d rather do that if the day is crazy and there is only time for one formal prayer “session.”

 

[NoWings]

Coptic Book of Hours.

 

[O.S.Luke]

I am a member of a religious order, and pray the hours. As a pastor, it keeps me reminded of living my life as a pastor in faith, instead of as “a job.”

O+