← [[session-04-asp|The Importance of Community]] | [[aspirancy-handbook|Table of Contents]] | [[session-06-asp|Other Forms of Prayer in the Teresian Tradition]] → # Basic Understanding and Practice of Prayer in the Teresian Tradition Required Reading: Liturgy of the Hours Commentary (Appendix E) Additional Reading: The Divine Office for Dodos: A Step-by-Step Guide to Praying the Liturgy of the Hours by Madeline Pecora Nugent; A Companion to the Liturgy of the Hours by Shirley Darcus Sullivan. The Everyday Catholic’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours by Daria Sockey Essential points to discuss: • Learn to pray Morning and Evening Prayer. (share with another member if you do not own your own copy) • The Liturgy of the Hours (LOH) is the official prayer of the Church. Carmelite Seculars pray Morning and Evening Prayer daily (and Night Prayer when possible). • Understand the difference between liturgical prayer and devotional prayers. • We are reciting the prayer that the Church has chosen. We are conforming ourselves to the words of the Holy Spirit in Scripture and prayers. The Liturgy of the Hours draws us out of ourselves and joins us to the Spirit of God. • We recognize that there are electronic versions of the LOH, however Aspirants are expected to learn and pray daily from the printed book. When proficient with praying the LOH, Carmelites may experience times when using an electronic version is necessary. 10 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Aspirancy Handbook: A Journey in Carmel* (US National Formation Program, 2024).