The Monastic Diurnal is a sacred liturgical book that plays a central role in the monastic community’s daily prayer life. Rooted in the ancient Christian monastic tradition, it is a guide that helps monks, nuns, oblates, and laypeople fulfill their religious obligations with precision. However, navigating its rubrics—the specific set of rules governing the times and manner in which the hours of prayer are recited—can be a bit complex. This article aims to bring clarity to these rubrics and how they relate to the Monastic Diurnal, offering you practical insights into how to fully embrace the Liturgy of the Hours.
Brush up your rubrics: When are the hours properly said?
The question of when the hours are “properly” said is often a topic of confusion. The rubrics for saying the hours are not arbitrary rules—they are carefully set to align with both sacred tradition and Church Law. Specifically, the Monastic Breviary adheres to these rubrics to guide the proper time of day for each of the hours of prayer. This helps maintain the spiritual rhythm of the day, allowing the practitioner to join in the universal prayer of the Church at the right time.
The times at which each of the canonical hours is said have deep spiritual meaning. Matins is said at night, when the world is still, as a prayer of vigil. Lauds should begin at the first light of day, symbolizing the rising of the Son. These prayers are more than just ritual—they allow the faithful to sanctify the hours of the natural day. But, when you’re praying the Monastic Diurnal, the timing isn’t just about following a rigid schedule—it’s about fostering a connection to the sacred and the divine that transcends mere timekeeping.
The rules around saying the hours at the proper time
The rules around saying the hours are clearly outlined in both the General Rubrics and specific texts like the 1963 Breviary. They emphasize the importance of reciting each of the hours at their proper times, acknowledging that while St. Benedict was flexible in his approach to the hours, there are essential absolutes. For instance, Matins must be said during the night, and Lauds should always be said at dawn. These rules provide the framework, but the key takeaway is that the hours are sacred moments meant to align the monastic practitioner’s schedule with sacred times of day.
In practice, the rubrics set out by Canon Law and the Benedictine Office allow for some flexibility. For example, in some cases, Matins can be anticipated the day before or said at midnight, offering a bit of leeway depending on individual circumstances. However, there’s no room for compromise when it comes to the essential nature of the prayers—prayers such as Vespers, None, and Compline all have their specific timing and purpose in the sacred structure of the day.
The proper times: The rubrics
Each hour in the Monastic Diurnal is imbued with profound significance, both spiritually and practically. These rubrics aren’t just rules—they’re part of an ancient tradition that connects monks, nuns, and Oblates with the broader Monastic Communities across time and space. The Benedictine Office specifies that the prayers should be said at specific times, reflecting the ebb and flow of natural life: Matins at midnight, Lauds at dawn, Prime at the first hour after sunrise, and so on.
For example, Terce (the third hour of the day) commemorates Pentecost, connecting the faithful with the time the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. Similarly, Vespers is traditionally said at sunset, symbolizing the end of the day and the hope for Christ’s return as the sun sets. The rubrics give the practitioner a profound sense of sacred time, aligning the rhythm of their day with these holy moments.
Exceptions and flexibility in the rubrics
While it’s true that rubrics are meant to guide the practice of prayer, the Church also recognizes that life doesn’t always conform to a strict schedule. St. Benedict, the father of monasticism, was well aware of the challenges faced by his followers in adhering to a rigid prayer timetable. The Monastic Diurnal reflects this understanding, providing space for some flexibility in observing prayer times. For instance, if Matins cannot be said at its traditional time due to unforeseen circumstances, it may be said the day before or at another appropriate time.
The key to these exceptions lies in the understanding that the Liturgy of the Hours is not about rigidly following a set of rules for the sake of rules themselves—it’s about fulfilling one’s religious obligations in a manner that reflects the spirit of the prayer. This flexibility is particularly relevant for laypeople and Oblates, who are not bound by the same strictures as monks and nuns.
Best practice for saying the Office
The best practice for saying the Liturgy of the Hours is grounded in simplicity and sincerity. St. Benedict taught that prayer should be “the work of God”, and this means that the primary focus should be on the sanctification of time, not perfection in execution. Whether you are reciting Lauds at sunrise or Vespers at sunset, the goal is to connect spiritually with the divine rhythm of the day. For Oblates, Monks, and Nuns, it’s about fostering ascetic practices and devoting time to God, regardless of whether you’re saying every hour or just a few.
Monastic Communities often emphasize that no matter how many of the hours one says, the key is consistency and devotion. It is not necessary to say the hours at the precise moment they are set out in the rubrics, as long as you are offering your prayers with a sincere heart. In this way, the Monastic Diurnal serves not as a list of chores but as a path to deepen one’s faith through daily prayer.
Hour Time of Day and Reason (Matins, Lauds, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, Compline)
Each hour of prayer within the Monastic Diurnal has a distinct purpose that aligns with the spiritual life. Matins is a prayer of watchfulness and preparation, recited in the quiet of the night. Lauds is the prayer of thanksgiving and praise at the break of dawn, a time of new beginnings. Terce recalls the Trinity and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, while Sext at midday reminds us of the crucifixion. None, said in the afternoon, is a time for reflection and spiritual rejuvenation as the day begins to wind down.
Finally, Vespers, said as the sun sets, is a prayer of light and hope for Christ’s return, while Compline offers a prayer before sleep, uniting the day’s work and prayers into rest. These prayers, in their proper times, are a way of sanctifying the hours and aligning one’s life with God’s timing.
General Rubrics of the Monastic Breviary (1925 edition)
The General Rubrics of the Monastic Breviary (1925 edition) provide a detailed and structured approach to the Liturgy of the Hours, offering guidelines for reciting the prayers with attention to the sacred nature of the practice. These rubrics, followed by monks and Oblates, help preserve the integrity of the monastic prayer tradition. While some may find them complex at first, the rubrics ultimately aim to bring the faithful into harmony with the sacred cycle of prayer.
For those interested in a deeper exploration, the Lancelot Andrewes Press offers texts of the Monastic Breviary that faithfully preserve these rubrics. These books provide detailed instructions for when and how to say the hours, as well as the accompanying psalms, hymns, and prayers.
Reviews for the Monastic Breviary and related products
Many people who engage with the Monastic Breviary appreciate the way it helps structure their prayer lives, fostering a deeper connection to Christian monasticism. Reviews often highlight the rich spiritual content found within the pages of the Monastic Diurnal, which provides both structure and freedom. Lancelot Andrewes Press has received positive feedback for its quality editions of the Breviary and General Rubrics, making these sacred texts more accessible to those in the monastic tradition.
By following these rubrics, users find that their prayer times become less about obligation and more about true connection with God. These reviews reflect the spiritual practice of Oblates and others seeking to cultivate a life of prayer and devotion.
Oblates and their role in following the rubrics
Oblates play a unique role in the practice of monastic prayer, as they live in the world but seek to integrate the monastic rhythm into their lives. While not bound by the strict obligations of monks or nuns, Oblates follow the rubrics in a way that aligns with their personal circumstances and responsibilities. The Monastic Diurnal is a valuable tool for these individuals, offering a structured way to maintain the rhythm of prayer even in a busy secular life.
Though Oblates may not have the same obligations as monks and nuns, they are encouraged to participate in the Liturgy of the Hours to the best of their ability. By following the rubrics and committing to daily prayer, Oblates join the Monastic Communities in a shared spiritual journey.
The Rule of Saint Benedict: Flexibility in Prayer Schedule
The Rule of Saint Benedict is not a strict set of legalistic demands—it’s a guide for living a balanced and devout life. St. Benedict understood that monastic life is not one-size-fits-all, and his rule allows for flexibility in the prayer schedule to accommodate various needs. While certain hours of prayer like Matins and Lauds are traditionally said at specific times, the rule permits adjustments as long as the spiritual practice remains intact.
For laypeople, Oblates, and those outside the monastic enclosure, St. Benedict’s Rule provides freedom to adapt the times of prayer to fit their lives while still remaining faithful to the overall structure of the Liturgy of the Hours. This flexibility ensures that everyone can be a part of the sacred cycle, no matter their circumstances.
In conclusion, the rubrics of the Monastic Diurnal offer an invitation to sanctify the hours of the day through prayer, connecting practitioners with Christian monasticism and the broader Church tradition. By embracing the Liturgy of the Hours—whether you are a monk, Nun, Oblate, or layperson—you participate in a time-honored spiritual practice that dates back to St. Benedict, offering a powerful way to live out faith in everyday life. Whether you follow the rubrics strictly or adapt them to your circumstances, these sacred times of prayer enrich your life and deepen your connection to the divine.
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