Phyllis Tickle, among the most respected authorities on religion in America today, is one of many modern Christians who observe the ancient tradition of praying the Divine Hours, also known as the Daily Offices. This final volume in paperback,The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime,provides four sets of officesmorning, midday, vespers, and complinefor every day from October through January. Each includes prayers, psalms, and Bible readings for each day of these two festive seasons which include the Feast of All Saints, the Season of Advent, the days of Christmas, and the Epiphany. Making primary use of theBook of Common Prayerand the writings of the Church Fathers,The Divine Hoursis also a companion to the New Jerusalem Bible, from which it draws its Scripture readings. It blends prayer and praise in a way that respects and builds upon the ancient wisdom of Christianityyet it is extraordinarily fresh and vibrant.

Phyllis Tickle has been reporting on religion for Publishers Weekly for many years and is currently Contributing Editor in Religion for the journal. One of the most respected authorities and popular speakers on religion in America today, she is frequently quoted and interviewed both in print media, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Newsweek, and Time, and in electronic media, such as CNN, C-SPAN, BBC, and "Voice of America." She appears frequently on the Odyssey Channel and is a regular guest on PBS's "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly." She is the author of over two dozen books, including the recently published God-Talk in America. She lives in the rural community of Lucy, Tennessee.

Visit the Divine Hours Web site at www.thedivinehours.com.

The Divine Hours is a trademark of Tickle, Inc.


From the Hardcover edition.

Chapter 1 The Gloria Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, so it is now and so it shall ever be, world without end. Alleluia.* Amen. The Lord's Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name. May your kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. Compline Prayers for February Are Located on Page 131. The Following Holy Days Occur in February: The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple/ The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary: February 2 The Feast of St. Mathias the Apostle: February 24 *The Gloria is omitted during Lent by many Christian communities. "Alleluia" is always omitted from every part of the Church's worship during Lent; the use of both is restored at Easter. February The Morning OfficeTo Be Observed on the Hour or Half Hour Between 6 and 9 a.m. The Call to Prayer Come, let us sing to the Lord;* Let us rejoice this day in the strength of our salvation. Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving,* and raise a loud shout to Him with psalms. The Request for Presence Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock;* shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim. In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh,* stir up your strength and come to help us, Restore us, O God of hosts;* show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. The Greeting It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord,* and to sing praises to your Name, O Most High; To tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning* and of your faithfulness in the night season. The Refrain for the Morning Lessons In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid,* for what can flesh do to me? A Reading Jesus taught us, saying: "Treat others as you would like people to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit can you expect? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit can you expect? For even sinners do that much. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to get money back, what credit can you expect? Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. Instead, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked." The Refrain In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid,* for what can flesh do to me? The Morning PsalmI Will Give Attention to Your Ways How shall a young man cleanse his way?* By keeping to your words. With my whole heart I seek you;* let me not stray from your commandments. I treasure your promise in my heart,* that I may not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord;* instruct me in your statutes. With my lips will I recite* all the judgments of your mouth. I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees* than in all manner of riches. I will meditate on your commandments* and give attention to your ways. My delight is in your statutes;* I will not forget your word. The Refrain In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid,* for what can flesh do to me? The Gloria The Lord's Prayer The Prayer Appointed for the Week Set me free, O God, from the bondage of my sins, and give me the liberty of that abund