What book(s) to purchase? QUESTION from Preston on April 2, 2002 I am discerning a vocation to a 3rd order Franciscan fraternity. I would like to begin praying the Divine Office - I understand it will take some effort & guidance to learn how. I would like to purchase the Office via your website, to support the ministry of the Legion of Saint Michael. However, I am confused about which volume(s) to order? I guess I'm wondering what a complete version includes?
Thank you for your valued assistance! May God continue to bless your efforts!
ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius, OLSM on May 18, 2002 Dear Preston:
I am really sorry for the long delay. Your question was referred to this forum since the Divine Office is dealt with in this form and then your question was lost for a while. I apologize.
On which books to purchase: The one-volume Daughers of St. Paul is more complete than the one-volume Catholic Book publishing edition.
The full set is a 4-vol edition. The links are below.

Divine Office

One Volume Sets

Christian Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours
Catholic Book Publishing Co / Paperback / Published 1986 This one-volume edition of Christian Prayer contains the complete Morning Prayer (Lauds), only selected Day Prayers (Tierce, Sext, None), the complete Evening Prayer (Vespers) and Night Prayer (Compline), and a few selections the Office of Readings (Vigils). This edition also contains the music for the hymns sung during the hours.

Christian Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours
Daughters of St. Paul / Library Binding / Published 1992 This one-volume edition of Christian Prayer contains the complete prayers of Morning Prayer (Lauds), Day Prayer (Tierce, Sext, None), Evening Prayer (Vespers), and Night Prayer (Compline). Only selections of the Office of Readings (Vigils) are included. This edition is somewhat easier to use than the one-volume Catholic Book Publishing edition above.

Complete Sets

The Liturgy of the Hours - 4 Volume Set
Hardcover / Published 1986 Each volume in this series is liturgically accurate, magnificently printed, and beautifully bound as befits its use for the Prayer of the Church. You will find this set ideal for both your private and your communal daily prayer. This is the complete set of the Liturgy of the Hours.

The Liturgy of the Hours - 4 Volume Set
Paperback / Published 1988 Each volume in this series is liturgically accurate, magnificently printed, and beautifully bound as befits its use for the Prayer of the Church. You will find this set ideal for both your private and your communal daily prayer. This is the complete set of the Liturgy of the Hours.

Compete Sets Sold one Volume at a Time

The Liturgy of the Hours (Vol 1 alone) - Advent and Christmas
Paperback / Published 1980

The Liturgy of the Hours (Vol 2 alone) - Lent
Paperback / Published 1980

The Liturgy of the Hours (Vol 3 alone) - Ordinary Time Weeks 1-17
Paperback / Published 1980

The Liturgy of the Hours (Vol 4 alone) - Ordinary Time Weeks 18-34
Paperback / Published 1980
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