Breviary facts for kids

A breviary is a special kind of prayer book used by people in Christian religious orders, like priests, monks, and nuns. It contains all the prayers they need to say at different times throughout the day. These prayers are part of something called the "Divine Office" or "Liturgy of the Hours." Think of it as a daily schedule of prayers that helps them connect with God regularly.

What is a Breviary?

A breviary is a collection of prayers, readings, and hymns that are meant to be recited at specific times of the day. These times are called the "canonical hours." The word "breviary" comes from a Latin word meaning "short" or "summary," because it brings together many different prayers into one book.

Who Uses a Breviary?

Breviaries are mainly used by:

• Priests: They use it as part of their daily spiritual life and ministry.
• Deacons: These are church leaders who assist priests.
• Monks and Nuns: People living in monasteries or convents use the breviary as a central part of their daily routine of prayer and worship.
• Other religious people: Some members of religious communities or lay people (non-clergy) also choose to pray from the breviary.

What Kind of Prayers Are Inside?

A breviary usually includes:

• Psalms: These are ancient songs and poems from the Bible.
• Readings: Passages from the Bible and writings from important Christian teachers (saints).
• Hymns: Songs of praise.
• Intercessions: Prayers for the needs of the world and the Church.
• Other prayers: Special prayers for different seasons or feast days.

The Canonical Hours: A Daily Prayer Schedule

The "canonical hours" are specific times of the day when prayers from the breviary are said. These times help people remember to pray throughout their day. While the exact names and number of hours can vary slightly between different Christian traditions, here are some common ones:

• Matins/Office of Readings: Often said in the middle of the night or early morning.
• Lauds/Morning Prayer: Said at dawn.
• Terce/Midmorning Prayer: Around 9 AM.
• Sext/Midday Prayer: Around noon.
• None/Midafternoon Prayer: Around 3 PM.
• Vespers/Evening Prayer: Said at sunset.
• Compline/Night Prayer: Said before going to bed.

Praying at these set times helps create a rhythm of prayer and reflection throughout the day.

History of the Breviary

The idea of praying at set times throughout the day has been around since the early days of Christianity. Over many centuries, different prayers and readings were collected into books. Eventually, these collections became what we now know as the breviary.

In the Middle Ages, breviaries were often beautifully decorated by hand. They were very important books for clergy and religious communities. The way the breviary is structured today is largely based on traditions that developed over hundreds of years.

Images for kids

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  Pages from a breviary used in the Swedish Diocese of Strängnäs in the 15th century A.D.

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  The Shehimo Book of Common Prayer is the breviary used in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

See also

In Spanish: Breviario para niños