How to begin the LOTH
Dear Brother,
Can you tell me the proper way to begin the Liturgy of the Hours? For instance, before the Invitatory, do we make the sign of the cross over our lips while saying, "Lord, open my lips, ect...?" And when beginning the other hours of the day do we make the sign of the cross before saying, "God, come to my assistance ect...?" And do we end the prayers by making the sign of the cross"
Thank you.
Blake
QUESTION from Blake on June 17, 2004
ANSWER by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM on June 19, 2004
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Dear Blake: We make the sign of the cross on our lips while saying the "Lord, open my lips..." and we make the sign of the cross in the normal way WHILE (not before) we are saying "God, come to my assistance ..." The sign of the Cross is not made after the prayers per se. If a prayer ends with the "Glory be", or any other time the "Glory Be" is said, the usual gesture at the time the Glory Be is said is standing and making a profound bow. If in private recitation or in the case of illness a bow of the head or making a sign of the Cross while saying the Glory Be would be appropriate. Anytime that the Glory Be is said no matter where one is in prayer the traditional religious practice is to make a profound bow. Seculars should at least give a bow of the head or the sign of the Cross.
God Bless, |