cover image CHRISTMASTIDE: Prayers for Advent Through Epiphany from the Divine Hours

CHRISTMASTIDE: Prayers for Advent Through Epiphany from the Divine Hours

Phyllis Tickle, . . Doubleday/Galilee, $9.95 (272pp) ISBN 978-0-385-51026-4

Tickle, a prolific author and contributing editor for PW, makes her marvelous trilogy The Divine Hours accessible to novice readers unaccustomed to the ancient church tradition of fixed-hour prayer. Beginning with the first Sunday in Advent and continuing through the 12 days of Christmas through Epiphany, this manual includes daily offices for morning, noon and vespers. The times of each office are flexible; late risers will be thrilled to see that the morning liturgy can be accomplished anytime between 6 and 9 a.m. There are readings, hymns and psalms for each day, as well as a prayer appointed for each week. The manual is intended for individual use, but can be adapted for "those blessed occasions in our lives when the office can be kept in company with others." (Oct. 21)