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) with your postal address and the number of copies required.
You can view an extract from the 80-page booklet here.
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While Anglican and Roman Catholic clergy, as well as most Religious, are called to pray the Daily Office or Divine Office, many laypeople also incorporate it into their spiritual discipline. However, it's likely that few have received guidance on its significance in one's spiritual life. Clergy from various church traditions find the Daily Office beneficial, yet many laypersons may remain unaware of this form of prayer or assume it is not meant for them.
This booklet aims to reach everyone, especially those in formation, to reveal the wealth found in daily prayer. Written by someone with half a century of experience with the Daily Office in various formats, the booklet follows the structure of hymns, psalms, canticles, readings, and prayers common to many traditions (Anglican, RC, etc.), making it accessible to a broad audience, both clerical and lay. Thus, you may discover references to aspects of prayer that are new to you!
It seeks to explain the advantages of integrating this form of daily prayer into your routine, drawing connections back to the Old Testament. Starting with a chapter dedicated to the rich treasury of the Psalms and how they shaped Jesus’ own prayers, it then explores the best practices for praying the Office as it aligns us with the rhythms of time and seasons, highlighting the relationship between this natural cycle and prayer. The booklet discusses the importance of Canticles, Hymns, Readings, and Intercessions, as well as considerations for choosing the appropriate format, addressing the connection between the Divine Office and the Eucharist.
The Very Rev. Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral, writes:
'Fr. John-Francis Friendship’s book is born from a similar experience, and through his own practice of the Office, he provides profound reflections that can help all of us delve deeper into the prayer at the heart of the church, which is a gift for 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 wish to learn about it. For the former, it will breathe life into what may have become routine, and for the latter, it will illuminate the path for those new to this important prayer of the Church. It beautifully expresses the ancient spirituality of the Divine Office. A must-read.’
(Kathy B.)
'I'm partway through this book. It is a gem - a punchy, highly readable, thought-provoking 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 just 12 concise chapters spanning only eighty pages, it reminds us of the history of the Office, its development, and its vital role in providing a structure of psalms and scripture readings that can deepen all Christians' spiritual lives.
This little gem serves as a reminder that praying the Office is more of a gift than a duty, making it an ideal present for those beginning their ordained ministry, older clergy for whom the Office has lost its vitality, newcomers to religious orders, and any Christians looking to grow in their spiritual discipline.’
(The Rev. David Darling, Priest and Spiritual Director)
‘This is the book I wish I had when I started praying the Daily Office and was grappling with the discipline and understanding it requires. Focused and clear, I hope it will help vivify the celebration of the Divine Office for many, drawing us all closer to Christ as we engage in this vital prayer of the Church. Personally, it’s been a welcomed read as I reassess my personal spiritual discipline in the context of changes in our communal practice, as I serve my title and prepare for ordination to the sacred priesthood.’ (The Rev. Ben T.)
