Liturgy of the Hours Vespers
Vespers, the prayer at 9pm is referred to in the Anglican tradition as “evening song.” We are ending our day of prayer with it but typically it signals the beginning of the Liturgy of the Hours as one prepares for rest. After praying through the hours you may see the world differently. Our experience with time itself changes when we mark our day with intentional times of prayer. We are less hurried, more present, and are more prone to bringing our burdens to God when our clock ticks to the rhythm of prayers and songs rather than the algorithms of the culture.
Psalm Meditation: Psalm 121:5-8
The Lord himself watches over you. The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night.
The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go both now and forever.
Journal Prompts:
How does time feel different after praying through the hours?
In what places or with whom do I need to be more present in my life?
When causes me to rush or be hurried? How can I replace that with new habits that help me slow down and stay attentive to the moment I’m in?
This last video has some very simple gestures in it. Choose one to try for the breath prayer.
Breathe in and pray: Lord teach me
Breathe out and pray: To rest in your presence
Repeat 2-3 times and write your responses in your journal.
Amen.
Director/Dancer/Producer: Libby John
Music provided by Ben Johnson