The Divine Hours (Volume Three): Prayers for Springtime: A Manual for Prayer

C.S. Lewis once remarked that there was a general distrust, particularly by Protestants, of fixed, repetitive prayer. It was claimed they violated the scripture in Matthew 6, in which Jesus admonishes his listeners to not engage in “meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.” The fixed-prayer cycle of The Divine Hours may seem like that to the prejudiced mind. But Lewis, in the Screwtape Letters, speaks of the parrot babbles we did as a child, as if repeating a prayer is a childish thing, and the truly spiritual compose only spontaneous prayers.For me, spontaneous prayers are a disaster for a mind as prone to meander as mine. It is quite impossible for me to pray longer than twenty seconds without straying to thoughts all together unholy. Hence my need for an anchor, a corral, a hemmed in path for my mind to pray along, so as not to get lost.This trilogy is just that sort of thing. Phyllis Tickle has taken the Book of Common Prayer and laid it out so those of use who find the actually book daunting may still unitlize this excellent tool. There is a minor amount of uncertainty when first starting as to the dates, but once you start, the dates settle into a rhythm. There are four times of prayer: Morning, Mid-Day, Vespers, and Night. The prayers themselves are mostly scripture Psalms with other readings added occasionally. The Vespers prayer has a hymn or piece of poetry and the Night Office usually has writings by universally acknowledge Saints of God.I highly recommend The Divine Hours. Praying this will encourage you, guide you, deepen your relationship with God, and give you structure and peace. It is an excellent tool for those who wish to improve their prayer life but are uncertain how or where to begin. Even those who have been Christians for many years will benefit from the act of praying the scripture.

"The Divine Hours," by Phyllis Tickle, is a refreshing approach to the ancient practice of the offices of daily prayer, that has been practiced continuously for nearly two milleniaby Christian believers. Regardless of your denomination, Tickle's "Divine Hours" makes this tradition readily accessible to all Christians- whether Protestant or Catholic.In the beginning of each volume, Tickle provides a concise "Brief History of Fixed Hour Prayer" as well as "Notes for Use of this Manual" which are very helpful, fascinating and informative. The book itself is arranged in three brief daily offices of about 1-2 pages each containing Psalm verses, prayers of the day, as well as a suggestion to say the Lord's prayer. The fourth office, said before retiring for the evening is found in the "complines" section for each month. The book can be used interchangably in any year, as it is arranged by day of the week closest to _____ date.There is also a special section for Holy Week and Easter in the spring edition.I heard about this wonderful resource from my pastor, and have found it to be a tremendously meaningful and spiritually fulfilling discipline. I must admit I have not said each and every office, but I do squeeze in about two a day on average, and just pick up with the date and time for that given day.I highly recommend this series of excellent books for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual journey in a very enriching way!

I know some other reviewers mention it doesn't really follow the bcp, but it is still a really great collection to have in your library. The readings, morning, noon, night, and compline are short enough so that even the busies people can make time to pray.My only complaint is the language, I would have liked to have seen a more inclusive text, especially in some areas where it would have really been helpful. I think Mrs. Tickle would have a better following if the language was updated. It is this way in all 4 of her books (Divine Hours - 3 books, and then the Evening Prayers). If you are sensitive to the male dominated text of the bcp, you probably will not like this.

Roman Catholics love it too!!!! This book is wonderful and subtle and changes your life!If the discipline of daily prayer (let alone several times a day!) has ever been a struggle for you then YOU MUST BUY THIS BOOK and the rest of the series!I cannot even begin to stress the importance of stoppping for a time-out with God four times a day. Ms Tickle has done a terrific job of putting together prayers, hymns and short Bible readings (OT & NT) that will guide and change you. She has managed to compile what we all need in order to put the hurry and worry and stress of life into perspective. It will encourage prayer for self and others and re-focus you on the truly important aspects of life.

When I can't have the book with me this digital tool makes it so convenient to pray. I love keeping the ritual of praying at the set hours of each day (morning, afternoon, evening, close of day) or any time I want to or need to reflect using scripture, and to give God praise and thanks!

Cannot wait to pray the Divine Hours again! This is a basic bound but beautifully made book, in paperback edition. Small print but that's to be expected.However the book came torn a bit and I had ordered a new book. I will keep it but I am disappointed. One star off for the tears.

I've used the three volume cycle of prayers for a number of years now. I mis-placed the Springtime volume and so needed to order another.Each day includes morning, noon, evening and bedtime readings and prayers. The evening cycle includes the words of familiar hymns which take on special meaning when read rather than more routinely sung in church. With changes in one's schedule, this format for devotions works. While working in an office, using just the morning and evening liturgies worked well.Phyllis Tickle does an outstanding job of choosing scripture, litanies and hymns to direct one's devotions.

Arrived quickly-excellent quality. I ordered the book for personal use.

A very useful addition to my ( Anglican) daily prayer cycle. Its a pity the kindle version doesn't have the same accessiblity

Use it almost daily.