CAMDEN (September 15, 2005) – In response to President Bush’s declaration of Friday, September 16, 2005 as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims and survivors of Hurricane Katrina, the Diocese of Camden will hold a special prayer service:
The “Morning Prayer” will consist of an invitation to prayer (Leader: “O God, come to my aid. Response: “O Lord, make haste to help me.”), opening hymn, psalms, a reading from Scripture, general intercessions (including special intercessions for hurricane victims and survivors), the Our Father, and a concluding prayer. The prayer service will be led by Father Michael Mannion, rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. “Morning Prayer” is part of the “Liturgy of the Hours,” the official cycle of the Church’s daily prayer during which prayers—in particular the psalms—are prayed at regular intervals throughout each day.
This ancient practice, which is meant to sanctify the entire day and to fulfill Jesus’ command to pray without ceasing, is customary in religious and monastic communities, but has been recommended to all the faithful since the Second Vatican Council. In addition to Morning Prayer (also known as “Lauds”), Evening Prayer (also known as “Vespers”) and the “Office of Readings,” are prayers for mid-morning, midday, mid-afternoon and Night Prayer (also known as “Compline”).