We are answering the call of St. Paul when he writes, “Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).”

The daily cycle of the prayer life of Byzantine Catholics begins at sundown and continues throughout the night and the following day until the following sundown. The Divine Office begins with Vespers (Evening Prayer) and continues with Compline and other services that would be prayed during the night prior to sleep. The next morning begins with Matins (Morning Prayer) and The Liturgy of the Hours continues throughout the day.

There are so many services that one needs to choose what works for them during the specific times of the day and season. One cannot do all of them, but we can strive to adhere to the daily rhythm of a Byzantine Catholic. It is important to incorporate both Divine Services and a period or periods of silence in our day. Each person needs to find a rhythm that works for their life. It means, trial and error, and finding time and making time for both Communal Worship and periods of silence to be alone with God.