The Breviary is a liturgical book used by priests, monks, and other clerics for praying the canonical hours throughout the day. These canonical hours, also known as the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours, structure the daily schedule of prayer and worship in many Christian traditions, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and some Lutheran and Eastern Orthodox communities.
Historical Context and Development
Early Christian Practice
In the early Christian Church, the practice of praying at specific times of the day was influenced by Jewish customs of prayer. Early Christians adopted these practices, which included praying the Psalms and other scripture readings, into their daily routine.
Monastic Influence
Monastic communities played a crucial role in the development of the Divine Office. St. Benedict of Nursia, in his Rule of St. Benedict (6th century), formalized the practice of praying the canonical hours. This structure included eight periods of prayer throughout the day, a practice that would deeply influence the development of the Breviary.
Medieval Period
During the medieval period, the structure and content of the Divine Office became more standardized. The Breviary emerged as a comprehensive book that contained all the texts necessary for the daily prayers, including Psalms, hymns, scripture readings, and prayers. This period also saw the consolidation of various local practices into a more uniform Roman Breviary.
Post-Tridentine Reforms
The Council of Trent (1545-1563) addressed the need for reform and standardization of liturgical practices. Pope Pius V issued the revised Roman Breviary in 1568, which became the standard for the Roman Catholic Church. This version sought to ensure uniformity and simplicity in the daily prayers.
Modern Revisions
The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) called for a renewal of the Liturgy of the Hours. The Breviary was revised to encourage greater participation among the laity and to make the prayers more accessible. The revised Liturgy of the Hours, promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1971, is used today in the Roman Catholic Church.
Structure and Contents of the Breviary
Canonical Hours
The Breviary is divided into sections corresponding to the different canonical hours. Each hour has its own specific set of prayers, Psalms, readings, and hymns:
- Matins (Office of Readings): Traditionally prayed during the night or early morning, it includes longer scripture readings and reflections from Church Fathers or spiritual writings.
- Lauds (Morning Prayer): Prayed at dawn, it includes Psalms of praise, a scripture reading, the Benedictus (Song of Zechariah), and intercessions.
- Prime: An early morning prayer that was suppressed in the post-Vatican II reforms.
- Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer): Prayed around 9 a.m., it includes Psalms and a short reading.
- Sext (Midday Prayer): Prayed around noon, it includes Psalms and a short reading.
- None (Mid-Afternoon Prayer): Prayed around 3 p.m., it includes Psalms and a short reading.
- Vespers (Evening Prayer): Prayed at sunset, it includes Psalms, a scripture reading, the Magnificat (Song of Mary), and intercessions.
- Compline (Night Prayer): Prayed before retiring for the night, it includes an examination of conscience, Psalms, and the Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon).
Psalms and Hymns
The Psalms are central to the Breviary, forming the backbone of the daily prayers. Hymns appropriate to each hour and season are also included, providing a rhythmic and melodic element to the prayers.
Scripture Readings
Each canonical hour includes scripture readings, which vary by the liturgical calendar. The readings are designed to provide spiritual nourishment and reflection.
Prayers and Collects
The Breviary includes a variety of prayers and collects (short prayers specific to a particular day or feast) that guide the worshipper’s petitions and reflections throughout the day.
Antiphons and Responsories
Antiphons are short verses typically chanted before and after the Psalms, providing thematic context. Responsories are short exchanges between the leader and congregation, often used during the Office of Readings.
Practical Use of the Breviary
Clergy and Monastic Communities
The Breviary is primarily used by clergy and monastic communities, who are often obligated to pray the Divine Office daily. This practice fosters a rhythm of prayer and worship that shapes the spiritual life and work of the clergy.
Lay Participation
Encouraged by the Second Vatican Council, the practice of praying the Divine Office has been increasingly embraced by the laity. Many laypeople use simplified versions of the Breviary or shorter prayer books that capture the essence of the canonical hours.
Ecumenical Use
While the Breviary is most commonly associated with the Roman Catholic Church, similar practices are found in other Christian traditions. The Anglican Book of Common Prayer includes a form of the Daily Office, and some Lutheran and Eastern Orthodox communities have their own versions of structured daily prayers.
Broader Biblical Themes
Continuity with Jewish Tradition
The practice of praying the canonical hours has its roots in Jewish prayer traditions, reflecting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. The use of Psalms and structured prayer times echoes the practices of ancient Israel.
- Psalm 119:164: “Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.”
Christ’s Example
Jesus Himself observed regular times of prayer, as recorded in the Gospels. The practice of the Divine Office seeks to follow Christ’s example of consistent, structured prayer.
- Mark 1:35: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
Sanctification of Time
The Divine Office sanctifies the entire day, marking specific times for prayer and reflection. This practice emphasizes the importance of dedicating each part of the day to God, fostering a sense of continual worship and mindfulness of God’s presence.
- Ephesians 5:16: “Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Legacy and Influence
Spiritual Formation
The regular use of the Breviary has been a cornerstone of spiritual formation for clergy and laypeople alike. It provides a disciplined framework for prayer, helping individuals grow in their relationship with God and in their understanding of the scriptures.
Liturgical Tradition
The Breviary has contributed significantly to the richness of Christian liturgical tradition. Its structure and content have influenced the development of other liturgical books and practices within various Christian denominations.
Cultural and Artistic Contributions
The texts of the Breviary have inspired numerous musical compositions, including choral works and hymns. The artistic representations of the canonical hours in illuminated manuscripts and other art forms reflect the deep cultural impact of this practice.
In conclusion, the Breviary is a liturgical book used by priests, monks, and other clerics for praying the canonical hours throughout the day. With deep historical roots and a structured approach to daily prayer, the Breviary fosters a rhythm of worship that sanctifies time and shapes the spiritual lives of those who use it. Its influence extends beyond the Roman Catholic Church, enriching the liturgical and spiritual practices of various Christian traditions and contributing to the broader cultural and artistic heritage of Christianity.