Liturgy of the Hours

We rise to go to Morning Prayer at 6:30 a.m. on the weekdays. The service is a combination of plainsong chanting of the psalms appointed for the day, lectio continuo (a continuous reading from the Bible in short passages), the Magnificat, and prayers of intercession.

There is a pacing to the chant and prayers that at first seemed overly slow and awkward to us as newcomers, Now after a week, the measured rhythms give us time to relish each word, savor the sounds, and ponder the meaning of lines we speak or sing. There are always three psalms, following the order of the day established in the Rule of Benedict, with pauses in between to allow for reflection.

Immediately following at 7:00 a.m. is the Eucharist. Abbot Peter comes down from Mt. Angel Abbey every morning to celebrate the Mass. We begin with a hymn, prayers, readings from Scripture, passing of the peace, and the consecration of the bread and the wine. The intercessions are both read and offered from among those who gather, each petition ending with, “Let us prayer to the Lord.” We respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Again, the pace is measured with time between the parts of the service for contemplation. As the days progress, I wonder how I will adjust to what may now seem a hurried race through the service at home.

As we take communion, the sisters bow before taking the host in their hands. Their reverence is palpable as we return to our seats in silence. After a period of reflection, a hymn follows communion. We are sent forth with the final blessing, fortified to do our work until lunch.

Noon prayer at 11:50 a.m. is a short service preceding lunch, with three chanted or spoken psalms, a short reading, and brief intercessions.

We gather for Evening Prayer at 5:00 p.m. It follows the familiar structure of Morning Prayer, with the appointed psalms and the Benedictus replacing the Magnificat. From there we go into dinner.

The day ends with Compline. The three psalms are constant, and even with the alternation of the responses, one side leading for the entire week, the other side leading the next. The sisters are so familiar with this nightly service that many recite it from memory. Most nights we end with Salve Regina, sung in Latin or occasionally in English. On Wednesdays, when we have Compline in the Bernadine Room, otherwise known as the sisters’ recreation room, Salve Regina is sung a capella, a gently close to the day.