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by Robin Sharma
The Divine Hours summary
Phyllis Tickle
Brief summary
The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle is a collection of prayers and meditations for various times of the day, providing a framework for a daily rhythm of worship and reflection.
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The Divine Hours
Summary of key ideas
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.
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What is The Divine Hours about?
The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle is a collection of prayers, readings, and meditations for morning, midday, and evening. Drawing from the rich tradition of the Book of Common Prayer, Tickle invites readers to participate in the ancient practice of fixed-hour prayer, providing a guide for daily spiritual reflection and connection with God.
The Divine Hours Review
The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle (2000) offers a structured guide to daily prayer, designed to deepen spiritual connection and mindfulness. Here are three reasons why this book stands out:
- Featuring rich historical and theological insights, it enhances understanding of traditions and rituals, enriching one's spiritual practice.
- The book's organization provides a framework for regular prayer and reflection, fostering spiritual discipline and consistency in daily life.
- Through a variety of prayers for different times of the day, it ensures diverse contemplative experiences, preventing monotony and keeping prayer engaging and fulfilling.
Who should read The Divine Hours?
Individuals seeking a structured and daily prayer practice
People interested in incorporating ancient Christian traditions into their modern lives
Readers looking for a diverse collection of prayers, psalms, and scripture readings
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Book summaries like The Divine Hours
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The Divine Hours FAQs
What is the main message of The Divine Hours?
The main message of The Divine Hours focuses on incorporating structured prayer into daily life for spiritual growth.
How long does it take to read The Divine Hours?
The estimated reading time for The Divine Hours varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in a short amount of time.
Is The Divine Hours a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Divine Hours is worth reading for those interested in deepening their spiritual practices. It offers guidance for meaningful prayer.
Who is the author of The Divine Hours?
The author of The Divine Hours is Phyllis Tickle.
What to read after The Divine Hours?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Divine Hours, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher & Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan