Lauds

What it is

Lauds is Morning Prayer, one of the principal hours of the Divine OfficeGlossaryThe Church's daily liturgy of psalms, hymns, and readings sanctifying the hours—also called the Liturgy of the Hours.. At the opening of the day the Church offers psalms of praise, a canticle (the Benedictus in the Roman rite), and intercession. It pairs with VespersGlossaryEvening Prayer of the Divine Office—psalms, a New Testament canticle, intercessions, and often a hymn at day's decline. as the two hinges of the daily office for many who cannot keep every hour.

What it is not

Lauds is not a private journaling session with a candle. It is not interchangeable with a quick morning offering alone—though the morning offering is good and can accompany the Office. It is not Vespers moved earlier; the canticles and tone belong to the morning.

How a Catholic encounters it

Pray Morning Prayer before the day's noise claims you—breviary, approved app, or parish celebration. Let the Benedictus set the first words of your mouth. On feasts, notice how the antiphonsGlossaryA short scriptural or liturgical text sung or said before and after a psalm, canticle, or as a refrain in the Mass and Office. name the day before your schedule does.