DIVINE OFFICE Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "divine office" refers to a set of liturgical prayers and psalms prescribed to be recited at specific times throughout the day by members of certain religious orders or clergy. Also known as the Liturgy of the Hours, it constitutes the official public prayer of the Catholic Church, as well as some other Christian traditions.
The divine office is structured into a series of "hours," each corresponding to a specific time of day or night. These hours include Morning Prayer (Lauds), Mid-Morning Prayer (Terce), Midday Prayer (Sext), Mid-Afternoon Prayer (None), Evening Prayer (Vespers), and Night Prayer (Compline). Each hour usually consists of psalms, hymns, biblical readings, intercessions, and a concluding prayer.
The divine office serves multiple purposes within the religious community. It fosters a sense of communal worship and unity, as it is often recited in groups or choirs. It also allows for the faithful to sanctify time throughout the day, pausing from their daily activities to dedicate themselves to prayer. The divine office also serves as a way to intercede for the needs of the world and the church.
Furthermore, the divine office is intended to convey a sense of the rhythm of life, as the designated times for prayer correspond to different moments of the day, highlighting the cyclical nature of time and the constant presence of God in all aspects of human existence. The recitation of the divine office is considered an act of devotion and a means to deepen one's spirituality, as it provides a structure for regular, disciplined prayer.
Common Misspellings for DIVINE OFFICE
- sivine office
- xivine office
- civine office
- fivine office
- rivine office
- eivine office
- duvine office
- djvine office
- dkvine office
- dovine office
- d9vine office
- d8vine office
- dicine office
- dibine office
- digine office
- difine office
- divune office
- divjne office
- divkne office
Etymology of DIVINE OFFICE
The phrase "divine office" has its roots in medieval Latin.
The word "office" is derived from the Latin word "officium", which originally referred to a duty or responsibility one holds. Over time, it evolved to specifically denote religious duties or services.
The term "divine" comes from the Latin word "divinus", meaning "of the gods" or "relating to God". It is rooted in the Latin word "divus", which means "god" or "deity".
In Christian context, the phrase "divine office" refers to the official prayer of the Church, also known as the Liturgy of the Hours or the Breviary. It is a set of prayers and readings that are traditionally said or sung throughout the day at specific hours by clergy and religious communities. The name "divine office" emphasizes the sacred nature of these prayers and their connection to God.
Similar spelling word for DIVINE OFFICE
