Praying the hours is a tradition that began in the Tabernacle and was carried on by the early church. Through the centuries, many Christians have paused seven times a day to sing, read Psalms, and pray. Read about each hour below.
Daybreak, often called “The Awakening Hour,” is a time for praise! As you witness the dawn, remember Christ’s resurrection and look ahead to his return!
Midmorning is “The Blessing Hour.” Traditionally, this is a time to receive the gift of God’s Presence within you and ask him to bless the work of your hands.
Noon, when the sun reaches its highest point, is “The Illumination Hour.” Jesus hung on the cross from 9am to 3pm, so noon is a time to remember the crucifixion. This hour is marked by passion, courage, and a daily recommitment to the Gospel.
Midafternoon is called “The Wisdom Hour.” As the sun descends, we are reminded of our mortality. It is an hour of humility, so ask the Holy Spirit for the clarity to trade worldly thinking for a heavenly mindset.
Twilight, known as Evensong, is the most ancient daily prayer in the church. It is a time of gratitude and celebration. At Evensong, believers gather together for worship and thanksgiving!
Nightfall, also called Compline, is an hour of intimacy. Compline has long been marked by confession. It is a time to contemplate Scripture and invite God to gently search your heart and lead you into repentance.
The Nightwatch is a time of waiting and intercession. There is no time like the Nightwatch to experience the sweetness of God’s Presence, hear the desires of his heart, and intercede on behalf of his church. The night before his crucifixion, Jesus asked his disciples to stay awake and pray with him (Mk 14). You can keep vigil as a sentinel of the night, waiting on the Lord. The Nightwatch is an invitation to be vulnerable with him, expecting him to be vulnerable with you. In the stillness, when you are tired and your heart is soft, Jesus can turn your vulnerability into healing. As you wait for daybreak, ask God to bring revival and heal our land.
Click the titles for scripture-based liturgy for each hour, created for the Fayetteville Prayer Room in Northwest Arkansas.
