The Divine Hours summary

Exploring the Divine Hours

In The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle, we are introduced to the concept of the 'divine hours', an ancient practice of fixed-hour prayer that has been observed by Christians for centuries. Tickle explains how these hours, also known as the offices, are intended to sanctify the day, marking the passage of time with prayer, and helping us to maintain a continuous connection with the divine.

Tickle begins by detailing the history and evolution of the divine hours, tracing their roots back to the Jewish tradition of praying at set times throughout the day. She then explores how these practices were adopted and adapted by early Christians, eventually becoming formalized in the monastic tradition and later, in the Book of Common Prayer.

The Structure of the Divine Hours

Next, Tickle delves into the structure of the divine hours. She explains that the day is divided into eight offices: Matins (during the night), Lauds (at daybreak), Prime (first hour), Terce (third hour), Sext (sixth hour), None (ninth hour), Vespers (evening), and Compline (before retiring). These offices consist of prescribed prayers, psalms, and readings, each serving a unique purpose and reflecting the spiritual needs of the specific time of day.

According to Tickle, these hours are not just a routine, but a way of life, a rhythm that structures and sanctifies our days. She argues that by participating in this practice, we are joining a chorus of prayer that has been sung by countless believers throughout the ages, creating a sense of unity and continuity within the Christian community.

The Divine Hours in Practice

In the latter part of The Divine Hours, Tickle provides practical guidance on how to incorporate these fixed-hour prayers into our modern, busy lives. She offers various adaptations and suggestions for practicing the divine hours, emphasizing that the goal is not perfection, but faithfulness. Tickle encourages us to begin with small, manageable steps and to be gentle with ourselves when we inevitably stumble.

Furthermore, Tickle emphasizes the flexibility of the divine hours, highlighting that the practice can be adapted to suit individual needs and circumstances. She stresses that the hours are not about legalism, but about cultivating an ongoing conversation with God, and a heightened awareness of His presence in our lives.

Bringing the Divine Hours to Life

In the final section of the book, Tickle provides a practical resource - a set of prayers and readings for each of the eight offices. She encourages readers to use these as a starting point, but also to personalize and adapt them according to their own spiritual needs and insights.

In conclusion, The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle offers a compelling case for the practice of fixed-hour prayer. She invites us to embrace this ancient tradition as a means of deepening our relationship with God, and of finding spiritual sustenance and guidance in even the most hectic of modern lives.