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by Jim Garlits (Author)
Many Catholics desire to deepen their prayer lives and those devoted to Our Lady have a beautiful outlet in the Rosary. But are you aware of the other great Marian prayer? Since at least the eighth century, the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary has helped the faithful to consecrate the day with prayers, psalms, and hymns of great beauty. Others who have investigated reciting the Liturgy of the Hours, but found its length and depth intimidating will find refreshment in these brief hours. It is a primer in the art of "praying without ceasing" and the simple structure of the hours lends a deeper understanding over time of the importance of posture, gesture, and attitude when praying.This volume is unique in several ways. The text is heavily annotated with the rubrics (instructions) on how the hours are prayed. Since it structured as a liturgy (whether prayed liturgically or not), it has a set structure and flow. Other editions of the Little Office give the prayers, anthems, hymns, and verses in their proper order, but gives the reader no idea of how it looks when prayed in community. With this volume, you will know from the first page what to do. These hours can be prayed by an individual, by two or three gathered in prayer, or by a larger group of people. Once you have prayed it a few times and learned the hymns and antiphons (there are only eight) you will be eager to invite others to join you. The four hymns are new arrangements which can be sung in English or Latin, since the meter is the same; the four Marian anthems can be chanted in Latin, or sung to the hymn tunes. Whether you only pray the principal hours (Matins, Lauds, and Vespers), or one of them, or all seven, your prayer life will be enriched for your effort.
