From relatively early centuries, the church developed rhythms of corporate prayer at key times of the day, especially those moments where night turns to day, and day to night. Over time, this came to be known as the divine office, from a Latin word for duty or service – officium.
In this session:
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we shall briefly explore the history and development of the office, its content, purpose and use in different contexts;
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we shall reflect together on the use and value of this pattern of prayer around psalmody and scripture as a scaffolding for personal prayer and our own spiritual nurture;
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we shall learn from and reflect on one another’s experience of ways of praying – especially, but not exclusively using one or other of the many forms of office that are used in different churches and communities;
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we shall share recommendations of patterns, practices and apps that we have found helpful.
This session will be led by Doug Chaplin, the Discipleship and Lay Training Officer, who is also the Bishop’s Worship and Liturgy Adviser.
(This is a repeat of an evening session run earlier in the year for the Spirituality Network)
A version of this session is also happening on Monday 1st June in person.