Praying throughout the day
Corona del Mar, California
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Daily Office prayed by Christians has its origin in the Old Testament. Psalms speaks of prayers at various hours that extend through the entire day. The New Testament urges continual prayer, as well. This practice is also called Praying the Hours.
Early Christian teachers encouraged morning and evening prayer using the Lord's Prayer and Psalms. (The Lord's Prayer is recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4.)
Why pray the hours?
This form of prayer uses scripture as a primary source. Thus, one is praying scripture, especially the Psalms, when praying the Daily Office. This serves as a school of prayer, and introduces a vocabulary for prayer based in scripture. Additionally, since the Office is universal, praying the hours is a communal act of worship shared by Christians around the world.
I have versions of Daily Office apps on my mobile phone. These apps are resources that encourage me to pause for prayer. Sometimes I "pray the Office" when I take an extended water or nutrition break on a bicycle ride. Praying the Office is an alternative to engaging distractions when riding the bus or train, or waiting for an engagement.
The point is, the Daily Office is a tool that encourages regular and frequent prayer and worship.
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