The Monastic Diurnal is a beautiful and structured way to pray, offering a rhythm that connects modern believers to centuries of monastic tradition. If you’ve been thinking about incorporating it into your daily life, you’re probably wondering—how long does it actually take to pray? The answer depends on a few factors, including experience, pace, and how deeply you engage with each office.
Why Choose the Monastic Diurnal?
Before we dive into timing, let’s talk about why the Monastic Diurnal is such a meaningful choice. Unlike other prayer books, the Diurnal focuses on the day hours of the Divine Office, making it a great fit for those who want to structure their prayer life around a monastic schedule without committing to the full Liturgy of the Hours.
Praying the Diurnal fosters:
- A deeper spiritual discipline – It keeps you anchored in prayer throughout the day.
- A connection to monastic tradition – You’re praying in the same pattern as countless monks and nuns throughout history.
- A balance between structure and flexibility – You can adapt it to your schedule while maintaining a consistent rhythm.
How Long Does Each Office Take?
The Monastic Diurnal consists of several prayer times (also called “offices”), each varying in length. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Lauds (Morning Prayer): 15-25 minutes
- Prime (Early Morning): 10-15 minutes
- Terce (Mid-Morning): 5-10 minutes
- Sext (Midday): 5-10 minutes
- None (Afternoon): 5-10 minutes
- Vespers (Evening Prayer): 15-25 minutes
- Compline (Night Prayer): 10-15 minutes
If you pray all the offices in a single day, you’re looking at around 1 to 1.5 hours total. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do them all! Many people start with just Lauds and Vespers, then add others as they become more comfortable.
How Do I Use the Monastic Diurnal?
If you’ve just picked up a copy of the Monastic Diurnal, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Here’s a simple way to ease into it:
- Start Small – Begin with Lauds and Vespers, as these are the two main offices of the day.
- Use Bookmarks – The layout can be tricky at first, so marking key sections will save time.
- Go at Your Own Pace – Speed isn’t the goal; focus on meaning over mechanics.
- Pray with Others – If possible, find a community or online group to guide you.
- Give Yourself Grace – It’s okay if you miss an office or stumble through the structure. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Final Thoughts: Making the Monastic Diurnal Work for You
Praying the Monastic Diurnal isn’t about rushing through prayers—it’s about creating a rhythm of life steeped in devotion. Whether you take 10 minutes for a single office or spend a full hour moving through the day’s prayers, what matters most is showing up with an open heart.
Are you currently using the Monastic Diurnal, or are you thinking about starting? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!