DAILY PRAYER and DIVINE OFFICE (Published by DLT)

(Retail price £7.99 but I can offer it at a UK discount price of £6 (ex. p&p) - with a further discount for 5 or more). If you would like a copy please email me (jff2209@yahoo.com) giving the postal address to be used and the number of copies required.

You can view an extract from the 80 page booklet here.

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Whilst Anglican and Roman Catholic clergy and most Religious are required to pray the Daily/Divine Office, and many laity do so as part of their spiritual discipline, it’s likely few have received any instruction in its place in the spiritual life. Whilst clergy from other church traditions find it of benefit most lay people may be oblivious to this form of prayer – or think it is not intended for them. 

However, this booklet is intended for all, not least those in formation, in order to uncover the riches of this daily prayer. Written by someone with half a century’s experience of the Office in many forms, the booklet uses that structure of hymn, psalms, canticles, readings, and prayers common to most traditions (Anglican, RC, etc.) to enable it to speak to a wide readership, both clerical and lay. So you may find reference in it to matters of which you're unaware!

It seeks to explain the benefits of this form of daily prayer whose roots reach back into the world of the Old Testament. Beginning with a chapter concerning the rich treasury of the Psalms and how these informed Jesus’ own prayer it then considers how best to pray the Office as it connects us with the movement of times and seasons and how this natural cycle relates to prayer. Addressing the place of the Canticles, Hymn, Readings, and Intercessions it also looks at what to consider when deciding on which format to adopt as well as addressing the relationship between the Office and the Eucharist.

The Very Rev. Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral writes:

'Fr. John-Francis Friendship’s book is born out of a similar experience and from his own use of the Office brings deep reflections which can help all of us understand more of the prayer which is at the heart of the church and is a gift to those who seek to know God and follow our Lord Jesus Christ.’

Other commendations (which can also be found here)

‘Just finished reading this special book today. I highly recommend it to those obligated to pray the Divine Office and those who would like to learn about it. For the former it will breathe life into that which has become dull and for the latter it will enlighten those new to this prayer of the Church. It expresses beautifully the ancient spirituality of the Divine Office. A must read.’ 

(Kathy B.)

'I'm part way through this book. It is a gem - a punchy, highly readable, thought-provoking, informative overview of the discipline of structured daily prayer.' 

(The Rev. Tim Jones, Director of Ministry & Discipleship for the Diocese of Llandaff)
 

‘John-Francis Friendship’s latest book is, as the title says, “A short introduction to Daily Prayer and Divine Office.”  In 12 short chapters over only eighty pages we are reminded of the history of the Office, its development and importance in providing a structure made up of the psalms and scripture readings, on which all Christians can deepen their spiritual lives.

This little gem reminds readers that praying the Office is more of a gift than a duty and would be an ideal present for all beginning ordained ministry, for older clergy for whom the office has become stale, for those beginning a life in a religious order and indeed for all Christians who want to grow in their discipleship.’

(The Rev. David Darling, Priest and Spiritual Director)

 ‘This is the book I wish I had when I began praying the Office and was wrestling with the discipline and seeking understanding. Focussed and clear, I hope that it will help enliven the celebration of the Daily Office for many, drawing us all closer to Christ as we share in this heartbeat of the Church. Personally, it’s been a very welcome read as I reassess my personal prayer disciplines in light of changes in our communal practice where I am serving my title and as I prepare for ordination to the sacred priesthood.’ (The Rev. Ben T.)