P r ay e r D u r i n g
the
D ay
Prayer During the Day should be a dialogue between God and us, and its simple structure reflects that: a Hymn, the Psalms, Scripture Reading, and Concluding Prayer. After the opening words, we begin with a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. Next there is the Psalmody – a reading from one or more of the Psalms. Before each Psalm, we say a brief antiphon which recalls an important theme or line from the Psalm, and after each and every Psalm we say the ‘Glory be’ prayer, after which we repeat the antiphon. Next, we read a short passage of Scripture, and then, to ‘respond’ to the Scripture passage, there is a brief prayerful formula called the Responsory, which gathers the Word of God to our hearts. There is a choice of three short readings, depending on the time at which the prayer is said. Prayer During the Day finishes with a brief prayer and short act of praise or thanksgiving. This ‘Hour’ is a deeply rewarding way to punctuate the day, and may be said individually or communally. Where it is said communally, the Psalms can be recited antiphonally (i.e. alternate stanzas or couplets marked with asterisks by alternate people or parts of the assembly). CTS Editorial Staff 8
b. Prayer During the Day - Leatherette Ed.indd 8
12/09/2013 10:56