Original Artwork That Elevates Prayer Without Distraction
The artwork in the Liturgy of the Hours isn’t simply decorative—it’s exclusively commissioned to draw you deeper into prayer through beauty, symbolism, and reverence.
The Meaning Behind the Beauty
Every detail is intentional—rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and centuries of Catholic sacred art.
Discover the Inspiration Behind the Collection
Ruth’s artistry is marked by a gentle blend of the Eastern and Western traditions of the Church. She draws from both Byzantine iconography and the work of masters like Fra Angelico, beginning each piece by consulting these ancient visual traditions. In doing so, her work builds upon the Church’s established form of beauty rather than standing apart from it.
Ruth’s entire process can be summed up in one word: prayer. She offers her work to the Lord before she begins and views her creative process as a continuous, nonverbal prayer. Rooted in Scripture and the symbolism of Catholic iconography, each piece is first sketched by hand and then carefully transferred to a digital format for printing.
Every piece in this collection is grounded in Scripture and Tradition. From the angel marking major feast days to the pillars shaping the image of the Ordinary, each element is intentionally chosen for its deeper meaning. Together, they open new windows into the richness of prayer, revealing the spiritual realities at the heart of the Liturgy of the Hours.
Ruth Stricklin is a mural artist and designer from Phoenix, Arizona, who co-founded New Jerusalem Studios (NJS) alongside her husband, Geoff, in 2014. Her profound commitment to authentic liturgical renewal within the Catholic community is beautifully exemplified through her work. A convert to Catholicism, her vocation as a sacred artist began through an encounter with Christ in the beauty of the liturgy.
How the Artwork Is Seamlessly Integrated Into the Text
Instead of distracting from the rhythm of the Liturgy of the Hours, each piece is intentionally designed to support contemplation, mark key moments, and inspire deeper reflection.
Full-Page Pieces
Introduce every major section, with a unique frontispiece for each volume.
Feast Emblems
Mark every feast day with a dedicated angel emblem.
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Ascension’s Liturgy of the Hours Emblem
Our official emblem for The Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition is rich in Scriptural symbolism:
Lyre: Represents the Psalms and the musical nature of prayer
Laurel leaves: Symbolize Christ’s victory over death
Alpha and Omega: Point to God as the beginning and end of time
Together, these elements reflect how the Liturgy of the Hours sanctifies time through praise.