The Divine Office for Dodos: A Step-By-Step Guide to Praying the Liturgy of the Hours

By Madeline Pecora Nugent

Book Overview

The Divine Office for Dodos 978-0-89942-482-8

The Divine Office for Dodos from Catholic Book Publishing is a step-by-step guide to praying the official prayer of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours. For those who want to pray the Liturgy of the Hours correctly and completely, The Divine Office for Dodos contains over 90 detailed lessons with questions, helpful hints, and practice sessions presented in a simple style. This book includes everything you need to know to be able to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with confidence.

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Among the features of The Divine Office for Dodos: IllustrationsDurably-sewn hardcover bindingEasy-to-read text and explanations of the Liturgy of the HoursThe Prayers of the ChurchSpecial 'call out' boxes for 'self-check.'High-quality paperGlossaryMultiple AppendicesConveniently-sized to accommodate pocket or purseNihil ObstatImprimatur

Advantages of a 'pocket' book:

Portable and Convenient - A 'pocket' book is easy to carry, allowing you to access important information, prayers, or inspiration anytime, anywhere.Encourages Frequent Reading - Having a small book on hand makes it more likely that you will read regularly, whether for spiritual growth, learning, or reflection.Quick Reference Guide - Whether it is a prayer book, inspirational quotes, or key teachings, a pocket book serves as a handy resource for moments of need.Promotes Mindfulness - Carrying a pocket book encourages moments of quiet reflection, helping you stay grounded and connected to your faith or personal growth.Distraction-Free Learning - Unlike digital devices, a pocket book allows you to focus without the distractions of notifications, social media, or screens.Great for Sharing - A pocket book can be easily shared with others, offering wisdom, encouragement, or comfort to those in need.A Personal Companion - Whether for prayer, journaling, or inspiration, a pocket book becomes a trusted source of guidance and reassurance throughout daily life.

The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, is a vital part of Catholic prayer life, sanctifying the day through structured moments of worship, scripture, and reflection. Rooted in ancient tradition, it allows clergy, religious, and laypeople to unite their prayers with the universal Church, fulfilling the biblical call to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
This daily rhythm of prayer--encompassing Morning Prayer (Lauds), Daytime Prayer (Terce, Sext, None), Evening Prayer (Vespers), Night Prayer (Compline), and the Office of Readings--ensures that every part of the day is dedicated to God. It deepens one's spiritual life by fostering a habit of consistent prayer and meditation on scripture, particularly the Psalms.

The Liturgy of the Hours strengthens personal devotion while also emphasizing communal prayer. By praying these prayers, Catholics join in a continuous offering of praise to God alongside clergy, religious orders, and faithful across the world. It creates a profound sense of unity within the Body of Christ.

Ultimately, the Liturgy of the Hours serves as a source of grace, drawing believers closer to God. It transforms ordinary daily life into an opportunity for worship, strengthening faith and sustaining spiritual growth through consistent, sacred prayer.

The Liturgy of the Hours consists of prayers, psalms, and scripture readings designed to be prayed throughout the day. It follows a cycle of prayers that unites the faithful in praising God worldwide.

The Main Hours: Morning Prayer (Lauds) - Start the day with praise and thanksgiving.Daytime Prayer (Terce, Sext, None) - Short prayers for midmorning, midday, and midafternoon.Evening Prayer (Vespers) - Thanksgiving and reflection at day's end.Night Prayer (Compline) - Entrust yourself to God before sleep.Office of Readings - Longer readings from scripture and Church writings.

How to Start?

Begin with Morning and Evening Prayer--the two most important hours.Use a prayer book for guidance.Don't stress Just pray what you can and grow over time.

By understanding and praying the Liturgy of the Hours, you join millions in an ancient tradition of sanctifying each day with God's presence.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0899424821
• ISBN13: 9780899424828
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Catholic Book Publishing
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

Excellent book, terrible tone

This is a great book for anyone wanting to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. There is no doubt that you will come out with a clear understanding of the intricacies of the offices. The tone of the book is a shocker however. Witty? I think not. The tone suggests the book is geered towards seven year olds. If you are struggling with the Liturgy however it is worth purchasing, gritting your teeth, and working through. you will certainly know what you are doing afterwards.

Bad humor, good book...

This is a great book! Her humor just doesn't cut it, but overlook that you have a great vehicle for understanding and praying the Liturgy of the Hours. As an oblate novice, OSB, she has given valuable insight into the liturgy. If you are serious about the Divine Hours, this is a must. Thanks Madeline for a good book

This is a MUST HAVE!

I have owned Christian Prayer for about 5 years. I tried off and on a number of times to learn how to use it, and gained a basic weekday knowledge from an SFO friend. However, in the past year or two I pretty much gave up on it completely. About a month ago I felt inspired to try learning to use Christian Prayer again. This time I had Madeline's book to help me. This instruction book is a MUST HAVE if you wish to use Christian Prayer or the Liturgy of the Hours. The lessons take you clearly, smoothly and progressively through every aspect of the Liturgy of the Hours (or Christian Prayer). After all these years, I finally feel proficient enough to use Chrisitan Prayer for private recitation or in a group. The bookmarks and ribbons included help one to navigate the breviary. The bookmarks have commonly said prayers and reminders printed on them. I can't recommend this book enough, even to those with some working knowledge of Christian Prayer or Liturgy of the Hours. It will give you a THOROUGH understanding of how to use either one.

A Source of Strength, Hope, Serenity

Want to join others all over the world praying the prayers of the church? Then this is the book for you. In a simple, step-by-step way, Madeline Nugent demystifies the Liturgy of the Hours, whose richness derives from millenia of Judeo-Christian tradition. Nugent's book reminds us that prayer is not just for priests, religious, and a few devout laymen. It is a timeless and powerful resource of strength, hope, and serenity for everyday people caught up in life's busy, fast-changing pace. Give yourself the gift of this book and the gift of using it! Your life will change for the better.

Help At Last!

The Divine Office for Dodos is truly a welcome gift. For all who have ever wished they could be nourished by the scriptural and liturgical treasures of the Church's prayer but lacked the courage needed to master its intricasies, help has arrived! Madeline Nugent has combined her skills as parent, teacher and writer to present what can often be a complicated subject in a clear yet playful and even amusing style. Her brief and easy lessons guide the user to a comfortable grasp of the basic structure of the various editions of the breviary. Having watched even educated persons confused and discouraged at what can be a daunting task, I enjoyed seeing our young candidate actually enjoy taking herself through these foundational lessons of the breviary. I recommend this book as a practical tool for learning the breviary and congratulate the author for another job well done!