Dec 23, 2009, 12.00am IST
MARGUERITE THEOPHIL.
During the time of the Roman Empire, the Jews, and later the early Christians punctuated the workday with fixed-hour prayers that followed the flow of Roman commercial life.
Forum bells rang at the start of the workday at six each morning, the mid-morning break at nine, the noon break at twelve, the re-commencing of trade at three, and rang out to signal close of business at six.
With the addition of evening prayers and dawn prayers, the structure of seven times of fixed-hour prayer was established in a form very close to that which many Christians still use today.
Various Christian traditions have a “Book of Hours”, known as Liturgy of the Hours, Daily Office or Divine Office – ‘office’ from the Latin for work, service or duty – in which prescribed prayers for specific times are laid out. Though this was initially done by individuals and groups, over time, because of the discipline and commitment required, for a long time this was thought best left to those in monastic communities or religious orders.
Though it seems daunting for a lay person today, several men and women have made this “Praying the Hours” a part of their personal practice. Gently yet purposefully easing away from the obligations of home or work, they pause at fixed times to mindfully connect with the Divine. Whispered, chanted, or prayed silently within, a river of words flows from our souls to God.
The timed intervals call us to prayer when we're ready – and especially when we're not! Prayer time does not interrupt a day; it gives it meaning and substance. In fact, Martin Luther said that he had so much work to do for God that he could never get it done unless he prayed three hours a day.
A Book of Hours takes many forms, not just the ‘prescribed’ traditional, strictly scriptural readings. A modern rendition, The Little Book of Hours, teaches how you can "pray the hours" in the midst of a busy life. It tells us, "Prayer is first and foremost about our relationship with God and our relationship with one another in the Body of Christ ... Prayer, then, is not so much an exercise of piety as it is an exchange of love."
They could be related to as Seven Sacred Pauses, also the title of the book by Macrina Wiederkehr, which shows it is possible to connect with these meaningful timings, without specific texts or going to a particular place for prayer. Each hour has its unique mood and special grace, which you can touch wherever you are, honouring each gifted day.
The Night Watch, a pre-dawn prayer – vigilance, trust. At dawn, The Awakening Hour – praise, joy and light. The Blessing Hour, midmorning – spirit, breath, blessing. The Hour of Illumination at noon – commitment, passion, peace. Late afternoon, The Wisdom Hour – impermanence, wisdom, aging. The Twilight Hour, at dusk – slowing down, praise, gratitude. The hour before sleep, The Great Silence – forgiveness, strength, surrenders.
There is yet another fixed-hour tradition that is probably more easily adhered to. Very simply put, it means commitment to these four prayer times – dawn, day, dusk, and dark.
Whichever regimen of prayer we choose to follow, praying the hours enjoins us to stop, let go of concerns and preoccupations for a while, and focus on the sacred at regular intervals throughout the day. Every day becomes holy, woven together by our small and regular appointments with God.
The writer is a Mumbai-based consultant, personal growth coach and workshop leader. Email: weave@vsnl.net
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