"This is my favorite prayer. It is literally my favorite way to pray."
That's how Fr. Mike Schmitz describes the Liturgy of the Hours, the official daily prayer of the Church.
While many Catholics think first of the Rosary or Eucharistic Adoration, Fr. Mike points to the Liturgy of the Hours as the prayer that has shaped his priesthood most deeply. In fact, he recalls being intimidated by the promise to pray it every day for the rest of his life.
"The night before I was ordained a deacon, I was so nervous," Fr. Mike says. "I made a promise that I would pray this thing called the Liturgy of the Hours every single day. ... Promising to do this until I die, I was very, very intimidated by that."
Liturgy of the Hours and Scripture
The Liturgy of the Hours is built around the Psalms and other passages of Scripture. Through Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Night Prayer, and the other daily hours, Catholics join in the prayer of the universal Church throughout the day.
For Fr. Mike, one of the greatest gifts of the Liturgy of the Hours is how it immerses us in God's Word.
"The Church has taken the prayer of Scripture—the Psalms, the canticles, the songs and prayers of the Old Testament and the New Testament—and has put them in an ordered way so that throughout the day every person who prays them would stop and pray."
Over time, those prayers become part of us. Reflecting on years of praying the Psalms, Fr. Mike recalls a retreat when he found himself spontaneously praying Scripture from memory.
"I realized as I was praying, 'Oh wow, Lord, these are the words I want to pray.'"
Though he admits he didn't always love the Liturgy of the Hours at first, he discovered that God's Word was quietly transforming him.
"My heart had been shaped. My mind had been shaped."
The New Translation
Now, for the first time in more than fifty years, the Church in the United States is preparing to receive a new English translation of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition. Beginning in 2027, priests across the country will need new breviaries in order to continue praying the Church's daily prayer.
For some priests, however, purchasing a completely new set of breviaries presents a financial challenge.
That's why Ascension has established its Assistance Fund. The fund helps provide new breviaries to priests, religious, or institutions who may not otherwise be able to afford them, ensuring they can continue faithfully praying the prayer of the Church each day.
As Fr. Mike reminds us, the Liturgy of the Hours is far more than a personal devotion.
"This is literally called the prayer of the Church."
By supporting the assistance fund, you can help priests, religious, and those in need continue that prayer ministry--lifting up the needs of the Church, their parishioners, and the world every day through the Psalms and the Word of God. Learn more here.
Watch Fr. Mike's full video on the Liturgy of the Hours!
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