Singing the Liturgy of the Hours as a Family
One of the most beautiful aspects of Catholic tradition is the practice of praying the Liturgy of the Hours - a way of sanctifying the day through structured prayer and scripture. For my family, we’ve added another dimension to this practice: chanting the Hours together. Chanting the psalms together was a practice we learned and loved in the Lutheran church and it seemed a natural fit for the Hours.
Chant as a Path to Prayer
St. Augustine famously said, “He who sings prays twice.” This statement has become a guiding principle for us. When we chant the psalms and prayers, it feels as though the words take on a new depth and power, lifting our hearts and minds to God in a unique way. Chanting is not just about singing notes - it’s about enriching the prayer, adding layers of beauty and reverence to the words.
For children, especially, chant tones can be engaging and memorable. There’s something about the simplicity and rhythm of chant that makes it easier for little ones to participate, even if they don’t fully grasp the meaning of the words just yet. It becomes a way for them to join in the prayer of the Church, learning to speak and sing with reverence and joy.
A Shared Experience Rooted in the Church
Chanting the Liturgy of the Hours together has helped us connect not only as a family but also with the broader Church. It’s a reminder that these prayers, sung across the world, unite us with the universal Church. In our own home, we’re participating in something much larger than ourselves.
This practice also fosters a sense of calm and focus that can be difficult to find in the bustle of daily life. Chant, by its very nature, slows the pace and invites us to be present in the moment. It’s an exercise in patience, but one that brings peace.
Learning Chant: Simple and Accessible
If chanting the Liturgy of the Hours sounds intimidating, I can say from experience that it’s simpler than it seems. The tones are easy to learn, even for those with no musical background. In fact, the simplicity of the melodies is what makes them beautiful.
We use psalm tones that are straightforward yet transform the prayers. There are many sets of tones you can learn, but I have found that the Murray Tones and the tones the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) uses (Tone A1 is our go-to) are easy to pick up. Whether it’s Morning Prayer (Lauds) or Evening Prayer (Vespers), the addition of chant brings a depth that spoken prayer doesn’t quite reach. Using one tone in the mornings and other in the evenings can also help make the Hours feel sacred. And the best part? It’s something the whole family can enjoy together, regardless of musical ability.
If you’re curious about enriching your prayer life, I’d encourage you to explore chanting the Liturgy of the Hours. It requires no special musical skills - just an openness to prayer through song.
As St. Augustine said, “He who sings prays twice,” and in our experience, that’s proven true. Chant has brought joy and depth to our family’s prayer life, and I hope it might do the same for you.