The Services of the Hours
The eight canonical hours of prayer, from Matins to Compline, with the Scripture tied to each.
| Hour | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Matins | Deep night or very early morning | This is the longest hour, offering two psalms, a long reading from Scripture, a Gospel reading, and often readings from the Church Fathers focusing on themes of watchfulness and anticipation. It anticipates Christ’s resurrection. |
| Lauds | Dawn | A time of praise to God at dawn, including a psalm of praise – typically Psalm 51, the Benedictus (Canticle of Zechariah, Luke 1:68‑79), and intercessions. It sanctifies the start of the day. It praises creation and resurrection light. |
| Prime | Around 6:00 AM | It begins daily labor with an emphasis on discipline and resolution. Psalm 4 is typically read or sung. |
| Terce | 9:00 AM | It explicitly ties to Acts 2:15, where the Apostles receive the Holy Spirit at the third hour. It takes as its themes the descent of the Holy Spirit and sanctification of work. |
| Sext | 12:00 PM | It marks the midday, again emphasizing discipline, perseverance, and spiritual warfare. It marks the beginning of the crucifixion around the sixth hour as noted in Mark 15:33. |
| None | 3:00 PM | It marks the completion of labor and endurance as well as Christ’s death as recorded in Mark 15:34-37. |
| Vespers | Sunset or early evening | A thanksgiving for the day’s blessings and an emphasis on fulfillment. The readings include the Magnificat (Luke 1:46‑55) and Psalm 141. It closes the day in praise. |
| Compline | Before retiring for the night | It is a service of peace and protection as well as a time of examining one’s conscience. The readings include the Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29‑32) and Psalms 4 and 91. |