The Divine HoursAncient Prayer for Modern Life
Discover the rhythm of fixed-hour prayer that has sustained Christians for centuries. Experience God's presence throughout your day with this beautiful liturgical tradition.
A Manual for Prayer
The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle is the first major literary and liturgical reworking of the sixth-century Benedictine Rule of fixed-hour prayer. This beautifully conceived and thoroughly modern three-volume guide appeals to theological novices and ecclesiastical sophisticates alike.
Step-by-Step Manual
- A complete guide that shows you how to pray the hours, from beginner to advanced.
Manageable Psalms
- Scripture broken into digestible portions for daily prayer and reflection.
Rich Tradition
- Connects you to centuries of Christian prayer while feeling fresh and modern.
Divine Timing
- Experience prayer at morning, midday, evening, and night watches.
Why The Divine Hours Works
1. It's a Manual for Prayer
A manual! Something that shows you how to do the thing you want to do, step by step. No guesswork, no wondering if you're doing it right.
2. Manageable Scripture Portions
It makes use of the Psalms in bite-sized portions that don't overwhelm but still provide rich spiritual nourishment.
3. Includes Powerful Prayers
It employs some dynamite prayers—like the Lord's Prayer—woven throughout the liturgy in meaningful ways.
4. Artistically Crafted
There is an artist's hand in selecting and combining readings, refrains, and prayers that speak to both heart and mind.
The payoff: When you get into the rhythm of this thing, God talks to you through these psalms and refrains and readings, like he's just been waiting to get a word in edgewise, and now that you're giving him half a chance, he's got some things to say.
The Ancient Rhythm of Prayer
Ever wondered about the spiritual practices within monastery walls? The Divine Hours, or fixed-hour prayer, predates Christianity itself, tracing back to Judaism's daily prayer cycle. This isn't just for monks—the early church saw fixed-hour prayer as integral to every believer's life.
Traditional Schedule
The rhythm typically flows on a tri-hourly pattern: 6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., bracketed by morning and evening prayers.
Simplified Approach
Simpler variations focus on morning prayer, midday prayer, and evening prayer. Start with what feels manageable and expand from there.
Liturgical Structure
Fixed-hour prayer involves structured, liturgical praying with set prayers, Scripture readings, and occasionally hymns or songs.
Pray The Divine Hours Online
Experience the ancient rhythm of prayer right now. Our online Divine Hours tool, created by CareNote's founder, offers the complete daily liturgy in an accessible digital format.
Join thousands who pray the Divine Hours daily around the world
Getting Started with Fixed-Hour Prayer
- • Begin with one prayer time per day—morning, lunch break, or before bedtime.
- • Use Phyllis Tickle's seasonal collections or try our online daily liturgy.
- • Consider praying with family, friends, or your faith community, either in person or online.
- • Remember: you're connected to believers worldwide who are praying similar prayers and reading the same Scripture.
- • Don't aim for perfection—aim for presence. Start small and let the practice grow naturally.
"The trilogy blends prayer and praise in a way that, while extraordinarily fresh, respects and builds upon the ancient wisdom of Christianity."
About The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle
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