Still trying to decide on a personal goal or resolution for 2026?
Here’s an idea, straight from Pope Leo XIV. This year, what about bringing the Liturgy of the Hours into your daily prayer routine? Or even into your family’s daily prayers?
Drawn from the Psalms and Old Testament, the Liturgy of the Hours—also called the Divine Office—is an ancient tradition in which the whole Church says certain prayers together at Morning, Evening, and Night each day (with a few other optional times of prayer throughout the day and night).
Pope Leo XIV encouraged “the promotion of the Liturgy of the Hours” in an audience for liturgical leaders on November 17, 2025. That’s quite the endorsement!
An even stronger endorsement comes from this Constitution on Sacred Liturgy, which describes the Liturgy of the Hours in this way:
Christ Jesus, high priest of the new and eternal covenant, taking human nature, introduced into this earthly exile that hymn which is sung throughout all ages in the halls of heaven…
By tradition going back to early Christian times, the divine office is devised so that the whole course of the day and night is made holy by the praises of God.
The Divine Office allows the Church on earth to take part in the unceasing praises of God, in union with the saints in heaven.
Liturgy of the Hours can change your life
What happens when you start to pray the Divine Office regularly?
Aleteia spoke to two people who began praying it a few years ago—and loved it so much, they didn’t stop.
Andy, an attorney and father of five, said:
I started praying Morning Prayer during my train ride to the office every morning for Lent a couple years ago. It really helped to prepare my mind and heart for the coming day.
I never stopped praying it. It rarely feels burdensome and, even when it does, there is a real peace that comes from that short time spent in prayer.
We often pray Night Prayer with our five kids. They love it. It is calming and puts them in a good spot before going to bed.
His wife Beth, a church music director and mother of five, said:
I love praying the Liturgy of the Hours because I know I'm joining in the prayer of the Church along with Catholics around the world. It's really a beautiful way of joining in the prayers of the Body of Christ.
It has helped me to know Scripture better, especially the Psalms. And for those times when I have no words in prayer, I appreciate falling into the words the Church provides.
The Divine Office brings peacefulness and presence—and that sounds like the greatest blessing we could ask for in 2026.
