How to start? QUESTION from Karen May 2, 2000 Dear Brother John-Paul,
First, please disregard the selection made on your form for version of Divine Office used, because I don't use one...yet. The computer wouldn't accept the form unless I answered this questions, and None wasn't an option. Thanks.
Actually, I'm writing to learn how to start praying the Divine Office. Is there such a thing as a beginner's edition? What do you recommend for books/materials for our family?
Also, can you tell me a little more about singing the LOTH? My 3yr old son loves to sing, and he loves the Church...(in fact, we bookmarked the LOSM home page because he wants to sing along with the music!!!) He has a surprisingly 'deep' prayer life, insisting on visiting the tabernacle every day and attending Mass as close to daily as possible. Any ideas for encouraging his participation in the Divine Office?
Unfortunately, Brother JP, I don't even know what it is I don't know about the Divine Office. But I'm eager to learn. I thank you for your guidance. Be assured you are remembered in our prayers.
ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius, O.L.S.M. on May 4, 2000 Dear Miss Karen:
Your question is a MIGHTY TALL ORDER :-)
This forum pre-supposes that the questioner has some familiarity with the LOH already.
To begin from scratch is beyond what this forum can do.
What you need to do is find someone who knows how to do the LOH who can tutor you.
Short of that, I will be putting together a complete course (about 14 lessons I think) that will take you step-by-step, line-by-line not only with how to find the right pages and what gestures to do and when, but also how to sing the Office.
This will be online and available through written material in the form of webpages and Real Audio recordings of lectures and even actually live examples of the Office begin sung.
I hope to have this course finished this summer.
I'm glad your young child is so enthusiastic. I would certainly encourage him. Later this summer maybe he can sing along with me when I sing the Divine Office on real audio ---- but it his ear drum breaks because of my bad voice, I deny any responsibility :-)
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