Customer Reviews

The School of Prayer: An Introduction to the Divine Office for All Christians

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This small volume is a superb book, and I have given several copies to family members and fellow parishioners. The introductory chapters give a thorough explanation of the purpose and meaning of the Liturgy of the Hours, stressing that the Divine Office is intended for ALL Christians, not just the clergy, and not just Catholics. If only more Christians were aware of what a treasure we have in the Liturgy of the Hours!

To those not familiar with the Psalms, the introductory chapters give an excellent summary of this ancient and enduring form of prayer. Coming to the Divine Office as a lay person, I found Part 1 of this book provided an excellent foundation on which to build. At the end of Part 1, there is a helpful glossary and suggestions for further reading. Part 2 is a commentary, based on the structure of the complete Liturgy of the Hours found in the four volume set (Catholic Book Publishing Co. in the U.S.). I find the commentary is very sound and insightful, and helps deepen my appreciation for the Liturgy of the Hours.

Although this book is designed to accompany the full four volume set of the Liturgy of the Hours, it can easily be used by those using shorter breviaries, such as "Christian Prayer" or those who use the periodical "Magnificat". As the author says,"This book is written for all who are learning to pray". In this time of trial for our nation and the world, I believe the Liturgy of the Hours to be an indispensable help; this book serves as an excellent introduction.

I cannot recommend this book too strongly! It is more about formation in prayer than it is information about praying. It has helped me to gain a deeper appreciation for the Liturgy of the Hours, the Divine Office, Morning and Evening Prayer - whatever title you are accustomed to use for this ancient prayer of the Church. The author gives the theme for each of the psalms and canticles that will be prayed. This helps to refresh your memory so reading through the entire commentary each time is not necessary. Then follows a good orthodox commentary on each Psalm and canticle with a brief explanation of the seasonal antiphons that focus the prayer. There is a brief but good history about how the Divine Office developed in the Church going back to Jesus and the Apostles prayer together. There are commentaries on the Invitatory Psalms, the Magnificat, the Benedictus, and the Canticle of Simeon. There are excellent articles that thrill one's soul such "Christ in the Psalms", "Christ in the Divine Office" and several others. You will not regret buying this inspirational book. It makes an excellent gift for newly ordained priests, deacons, and for those coming into third orders that make praying the Divine Office part of their daily prayer.

I borrowed this book from a friend whom I pray the Liturgy of the Hours with - I purchased the book right away as it helps one to understand the meanings of the Psalms used in the Psalter. This books helps to make praying the Hours much richer. I greatly recommend it if you pray the LOH and find yourself saying "now what does THAT mean??"

John Brook gives you history and instruction, thank goodness, but the beauty of his book is that he provides commentary on the Morning and Evening prayer of the four-week cycle, including Night Prayer; it's not paperback (I'm not sure what this is, vinyl?) and it has a ribbon marker, making it easy to keep your place for use before, during or after your prayer time. The section on finding Christ in the Psalms is helpful in making the Psalms your distinctly Christian prayer. And the index of Psalms in the back has been very useful indeed. I've used it for quick reference when writing and in my personal Bible study too.

Since a dear friend in Christ first introduced me to both the Divine Office and this book, I've recommended "School of Prayer" to many people and have even given copies away. I've used mine for 14 years now, and it's still in great shape (a nice advantage to the cover, whatever it is).

Brook's book will work with the one volume "A Shorter Morning and Evening Prayer" (also from Liturgical Press). The covers even match in material, complete with design on the front and ribbon marker, but not the colors) which is a small volume but does have the 4-week cycle of the Psalter. If you travel, you'll appreciate the small size of both of these books. They easily fit in my denim purse. I love small prayer books. :) (BTW, my School of Prayer cover is burgundy, A Shorter Morning and Evening Prayer is dark blue, and both have gold lettering and cross.)

You can even start out with the Shorter Christian Prayer (from Catholic Book Publishing) which, I think, uses only Week I. "The School of Prayer" would still be helpful and you'd already have it when you "graduate" to the fuller forms of the Office. :)

By the way, it's not as daunting as it seems at first. After I got used to it, I looked forward to praying the Office every day. Whenever I miss a day (or two), I really miss it. The Word of the Lord is food, indeed. Second only to the Eucharist, the Lord Himself.

Oh, and I just noticed that he does mention making the sign of the cross at the beginning of the Gospel Canticle. He also mentions the sign of the cross on the lips at the Invitatory versicle (the Lord, open my lips). That I remembered, but had forgotten about the Canticle. Guess I need to use not only the commentary, but need to re-read the instruction too; see what else I've forgotten. Oy.

Pax Christi.

I purchased this book hoping to get some insite on what the different psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office)where all about.

When I received it, and thumbed through it, I thought I had made a mistake in buying this book because the book is small and thick with small writing.

But what a surprise to find that it really does give you lots of insite into just what the psalmist is saying. Each paragraph of the psalm is exlained. And you don't need to start at the very begining of this book either. Just go by the week where you are at in the Divine Office.

It even explains the Invitatory Psalm, the Canticle of Zechariah and the Canticle of Mary.

I've only had this book a few weeks and I already love it and highly recommend it to anyone who would like a better understanding of the different psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours.

This is the most comprehensive guide for understand The Liturgy of the Hours ever written. The best.

Needed the "Litury of the Hours" to use with my "Idiots" book (on how to pray the hours)... thought this was it but it wasn't a good match.

This book is instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours NOT the Divine Office (Officium Divinum), ISBN 1-892331-08-X. There is a difference. Do not be mislead as I was, looking for instruction on the Officium Divinum. The Liturgy of the Hours is a Vatican II modification of the Divine Office which is why the name is different. Only the Officium Divinum IS the Divine Office.

If you seek guidance on the Liturgy of the Hours, (which I do not), this book is probably fine. Please know I have nothing against the Liturgy of the Hours, since it is approved by the Church however it loses some of the richness of the Officium Divinum.

If you seek guidance on the Officium Divinum, I highly recommend "The Sacrifice of Praise" by Vilma G. Little, published by Roman Catholic Books, ISBN 1-929291-52-3

It may be worth noting that the Officium Divinum is the Office prayed by generations of the Faithful, which continues in many monasteries and orders today, and was used by the vast majority of the Saints.

Thought this would be more useful in to understanding the depth and concept of the Liturgy of the Hours. I haven't really used it and it isn't of any necessity to buy with any of the other books.

Hi, This book is not a breviary or book of liturgy. It contains commentary on the divine office, instructions on praying the divine office and other essays. It actually does not have the liturgy in it. You can piece together the psalms and canticles from the commentary, but there's no hymns or other parts of the Hour. You need a book of liturgy to use this book. I'm not sure how good the commentaries are, I haven't read them yet. They may be quite good, but you still need another book to pray the Divine Office.