Does the Liturgy of the Hours Come From the Mass?

The Mass and the Daily Rhythm of Prayer

For Catholics, the Mass is the center of worship, but the Church’s prayer extends far beyond Sunday. The Liturgy of the Hours, also called the Divine Office, is the Church’s official daily prayer, drawing on psalms, Scripture, and hymns to sanctify every part of the day.

But how does this daily rhythm connect to the Mass, and why is it so important for the spiritual life of Catholics?

The Liturgy Flows From God and Returns to Him

“The liturgy is the work of God,” explains Ruth Stricklin, artist of Ascension's Second Edition of the Liturgy of the Hours. “It flows out of the Word at creation, moves outward, and comes back to God.”

Theologians call this movement exitus (flowing out from God) and reditus (returning to God). By participating in the liturgy, we do more than pray. We join God’s work, becoming transformed in the process.

“Even though it’s the work of God and prayer to God and worship of God, he wants us to participate in that. And by participating, we are transformed," Ruth explains.

Christ is Present in the Liturgy of the Hours

How is the Liturgy of the Hours 'liturgy'? 

Many Catholics don’t realize that the Liturgy of the Hours is more than a devotional practice. It is a true liturgy, part of the Church’s official public prayer, and Christ is truly present.

“Christ is present in the liturgy of the hours—in the texts and in the chants,” the artist notes. “The same way Christ can appear in a miraculous vision in the Eucharist, He is present here too.”

By praying morning, evening, and night prayers, Catholics enter into the rhythm of the Church and encounter Christ throughout their day.

How Sacred Art Enhances the Liturgy

Sacred art, especially in churches, plays a crucial role in helping Catholics perceive the realities of the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours. Art doesn’t invent the sacred; it reveals it, slowing us down to contemplate God’s presence in our daily prayers.

“My hope is that someone might pause after reading a passage, hover over the artwork, and meditate on it,” the artist explains. “They might see a symbol or image they don’t quite understand—but it draws them into deeper contemplation.”

Why the Liturgy of the Hours Matters Today

In a busy world, daily prayer can feel overwhelming—but the Liturgy of the Hours offers structure and spiritual depth. It sanctifies the hours of the day, prepares hearts for Mass, and helps Catholics grow in holiness.

“It’s the daily prayer of the Church,” the artist reflects. “It forms your heart to pray with the Church and brings you back to the center: the Eucharist.”

By weaving together Mass, daily prayer, and sacred art, Catholics can experience the full beauty and truth of the faith, moment by moment.

The Church’s daily prayer is meant for everyone--not just priests or religious. By entering this rhythm, Catholics participate in God’s ongoing work in the world.

The Mass is the summit of Catholic worship, but the Liturgy of the Hours extends that encounter across the day. Christ is present in both, and sacred art helps us see and enter that reality. By praying the Liturgy of the Hours, Catholics are drawn deeper into the Church’s life, transformed by grace, and prepared to encounter Christ in every moment.