The Daily Office is an ancient Christian practice of praying at regular times throughout our day: morning, lunch, dinner, and bedtime. At City of Light, this is one of the ways that we enter into our culture of healing rhythms: encountering Jesus' life-changing new day together and in our homes through the rhythms of prayer, the Bible, and worship.
The rhythm of the Daily Office is one place where we find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:38-39) in the midst of our anxious world (John 16:33) by receiving the peace of Jesus in his word and in prayer (John 14:23-27). This is how Paul says it in Philippians 4:6-7:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The people of God have been praying in this rhythm from the beginning. The Psalms talk about praying in the morning and evening (Psalm 51:16-17), during the day and night (Psalm 92:2), 3 times a day (Psalm 55:17; also Daniel 6:10), and even 7 times a day (Psalm 119:164). The first Christians in the book of Acts continued this rhythm, praying at the third hour (Acts 2:15), the sixth hour (Acts 10:9), the ninth hour (Acts 3:1) and midnight (Acts 16:25). In the next centuries communities of Christians prayed in rhythm individually, in their household, and gathering together throughout their days and week.
When you hear the word “Office”, don’t think about a job or a task that you may not like. Think about your calling to know God and love him forever. Worship is our vocation; it is what we were made for and where we find meaning, joy, and peace. And the Daily Office invites us into that rhythm of relationship with God our Creator and Savior.
The Anglican Book of Common Prayer (BCP2019) has written prayers saturated with Scripture (the Daily Offices) and a daily Bible reading plan (the Daily Lectionary) to guide us in these prayers.
Download this booklet, which has simplified Daily Office prayers and the Daily Lectionary.
Get a Book of Common Prayer (pick up a copy on Sunday for a suggested donation of $10, download the liturgies here for free, or buy a copy here.)
On the go, use the BCP2019 Prayer Office App (Website, Apple Store, Google Store)
The Daily Office is an ancient Christian practice of praying at regular times throughout our day: morning, lunch, dinner, and bedtime. At City of Light, this is one of the ways that we enter into our culture of healing rhythms: encountering Jesus' life-changing new day together through the rhythms of prayer and the Bible. During the season of Lent we are praying at these times:
Tuesday, Noonday Prayer, 12pm
Wednesday, Evening Prayer, 7pm
Friday, Morning Prayer, 7am