Canonical hour definitions
| Word backwards | lacinonac ruoh |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The part of speech of the word "canonical hour" is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | can-on-i-cal hour |
| Plural | The plural of the word "canonical hour" is "canonical hours." |
| Total letters | 13 |
| Vogais (4) | a,o,i,u |
| Consonants (5) | c,n,l,h,r |
Canonical hours, also known as the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours, are the regular times for daily Christian prayer that have been followed by monks, nuns, and priests for centuries.
Origin and History
The practice of praying at specific times throughout the day can be traced back to the Old Testament, where there are references to the practice of morning and evening prayers. The early Christian Church adopted this practice and over time, the canonical hours were formalized into a structured schedule of prayers.
Structure
There are seven canonical hours that are typically observed throughout the day: Matins (or Vigils), Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline. Each of these hours has its own set of prayers and readings, with Psalms being a central part of the liturgy.
Significance
The canonical hours are seen as a way to sanctify the day and offer praise and thanks to God at regular intervals. They provide a structure for daily prayer and help individuals to orient their lives towards a deeper spiritual connection.
Contemporary Practice
While the practice of the canonical hours has its roots in monastic traditions, it has also been embraced by laypeople and clergy in various Christian denominations. Many individuals and communities follow a simplified version of the Divine Office, incorporating the prayers into their daily routine.
Benefits
Praying the canonical hours can help individuals to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and spiritual awareness throughout the day. It provides moments of reflection and connection with the divine, offering a rhythm of prayer that can bring peace and guidance.
In conclusion, the canonical hours offer a rich tradition of prayer that continues to inspire and sustain the spiritual lives of many Christians around the world.
Canonical hour Examples
- The monks at the monastery gather for the canonical hour of Vespers at sunset.
- During the canonical hour of Lauds, the nuns sing hymns to start the day with prayer.
- The priest paused his work to pray the canonical hour of Terce at mid-morning.
- In some traditions, the canonical hour of Matins is prayed before dawn.
- The cathedral bells rang to signal the canonical hour of Sext at noon.
- The religious community came together for the canonical hour of None in the afternoon.
- As part of their daily routine, the monks observed the canonical hour of Compline before bed.
- The ancient practice of praying the canonical hours dates back to early Christianity.
- Many churches follow a set schedule for praying the canonical hours throughout the day.
- The canonical hours provide a structure for daily prayer and reflection in religious communities.