“Seven times a day I Praise You, because of your righteous judgments Psalm 119:164
In correlation with David’s model of prayer, the Church has developed seven hours of prayer
06:00 PM Evening | Ramsho or Vespers | Sandhya Namaskaram
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09:00 PM Bedtime Prayer | Soutoro or Compline | Soothara Namaskaram
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12:00 AM Night Prayers | Lilio or Nocturns, with three “watches” or Quamos | Rathri Namaskaram
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06:00 AM Morning Prayer | Sapro or Matins | Prabhatham Namaskaram
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09:00 AM 3rd Hour | Moonnnam Mani Namaskaram
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12:00 PM Noon | 6th Hour | Aaraam Mani Namaskaram
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03:00 PM 9th Hour | Onpathaam Mani Namaskaram
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The Hours of Prayer help us to mediate on the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord.
For example, at the 3rd Hour (9 AM), we are reminded of the time when Christ was put to trial and of his journey to Calvary.
At the 6th Hour (12 PM), we are reminded of the time when Christ was hung on the Cross.
At the 9th Hour (3 PM), we are reminded of the time when Christ gave up His spirit on the Cross.
In the Night Prayer, we proclaim “Halleluiah, Halleluiah, Halleluiah, Glory be to You, O God!”
As we pray this, we are reminded of the triumphant Resurrection of our Lord.
So, the times of prayer have significance in that they remind us daily of the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ.