A new translation and edition of the Liturgy of the Hours is on the horizon.

Midwest Theological Forum is deeply honored to be selected by the Committee on Divine Worship of the USCCB to publish the Major Extracts of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition.

The Liturgy of the Hours, Major Extracts

Renowned Quality

We are committed to continuing to provide the renowned quality, beauty, and fidelity that are the hallmarks of Midwest Theological Forum—particularly in liturgical works and sacred texts.

It is our hope that this new single-volume edition will help guide and inspire each person who uses it to be committed to offering their daily prayers unceasingly in union with the whole Church.

The Liturgy of the Hours, Major Extracts

Renowned Quality

We are committed to continuing to provide the renowned quality, beauty, and fidelity that are the hallmarks of Midwest Theological Forum—particularly in liturgical works and sacred texts.

It is our hope that this new single-volume edition will help guide and inspire each person who uses it to be committed to offering their daily prayers unceasingly in union with the whole Church.

The Liturgy of the Hours, Major Extracts

Renowned Quality

We are committed to continuing to provide the renowned quality, beauty, and fidelity that are the hallmarks of Midwest Theological Forum—particularly in liturgical works and sacred texts.

It is our hope that this new single-volume edition will help guide and inspire each person who uses it to be committed to offering their daily prayers unceasingly in union with the whole Church.

The Major Extracts of the
Liturgy of the Hours,
Second Edition

In June 2025 the Committee on Divine Worship of the USCCB selected Ascension Press and Word on Fire to produce the full, four-volume edition of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition. At that time, the committee also reviewed proposals for the publication of the Major Extracts in a one-volume book.

In November 2025 four publishers were selected by the committee to receive five-year exclusive contracts for producing the major extracts of the Liturgy of the Hours: Catholic Book Publishing Corp., Liturgical Press, Magnificat, and Midwest Theological Forum.

While the content of the entire book is still under review by Midwest Theological Forum and the Committee on Divine Worship, the Major Extracts of the Liturgy of the Hours will feature at least Lauds (Morning Prayer), Vespers (Evening Prayer), and Compline (Night Prayer). This makes it roughly similar to Christian Prayer currently in wide use.

Additional content, such as devotional prayers and a simple guide to the Liturgy of the Hours, are still being discussed.

Christ Carrying the Cross
Christ Carrying the Cross

Faithful, Beautiful,
Uncompromised Quality

The MTF edition of the Major Extracts of the Liturgy of the Hours is being prepared with careful attention to usability, readability, durability, and overall design.

While it cannot include every option found in the complete Liturgy of the Hours, the Major Extracts will provide a comprehensive and practical selection suitable for praying every hour throughout the year.

Our edition will be designed to be portable and durable for use throughout the day by clergy, religious, and the lay faithful wherever they go.

Like our treasured liturgical and prayer books, this MTF edition will feature reader-friendly typography and beautiful artwork inspired by historical sacred art and illustrations.

The MTF edition of the Major Extracts of the Liturgy of the Hours is being prepared with careful attention to usability, readability, durability, and overall design.

While it cannot include every option found in the complete Liturgy of the Hours, the Major Extracts will provide a comprehensive and practical selection suitable for praying every hour throughout the year.

Our edition will be designed to be portable and durable for use throughout the day by clergy, religious, and the lay faithful wherever they go.

Like our treasured liturgical and prayer books, this MTF edition will feature reader-friendly typography and beautiful artwork inspired by historical sacred art and illustrations.

Christ Carrying the Cross

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Frequently Asked Questions

This updated version of the Liturgy of the Hours aims to enhance the prayer life of the Church with modern translations that respect traditional practices.

Features will include:

  • The new English translation will be based on the editio typica altera (1985) and the Roman Missal, Third Edition (2010), compliant with the norms of Liturgiam Authenticam (2001).
  • The Psalms and Canticles will be from The Abbey Psalms and Canticles.
  • Other Scripture readings will be from the Catholic American Bible.
  • The Gospel Canticle antiphons will be synchronized with the three-year Lectionary.
  • Other texts have all been updated.
  • The U.S. adaptations will be revised.
  • The Latin texts of the Gospel Canticles, Marian Antiphons, and Te Deum will be included.
  • For greater detail, a list of approved texts is maintained by the USCCB: usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgy-of-the-hours/liturgy-of-the-hours-second-edition

According to the USCCB Secretariat of Divine Worship, the review and publication of the four-volume editions of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition, will be completed in 2026 through the first half of 2027. Afterwards, work will turn to the review and publication of the one-volume major extracts, which are expected to go on sale in mid-2028.

Midwest Theological Forum plans to publish the Major Extracts of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition, in advance of the mandatory use date of the First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2028.

The Liturgy of the Hours is the official daily prayer of the Church—a time-honored way for clergy, religious, and the lay faithful to pray Scripture, especially the Psalms, throughout the day.

In addition to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours is the primary method of the Church to help its members sanctify their days in offering unceasing prayers to the Lord.

Also known as the Divine Office or Breviary, the Liturgy of the Hours follows the rhythm of the Church’s liturgical year, offering hymns, Scripture readings, intercessions, and prayers at seven appointed hours each day.

The Major Extracts describes a single-volume edition of the Liturgy of the Hours. It replaces previously published volumes of Christian Prayer and Shorter Christian Prayer.

Christian Prayer featured a four-week psalter, a condensed version of the Office of Readings, the Proper for Saints, and various commons (e.g., Common for Martyrs, Pastors). Shorter Christian Prayer was more simplified, containing a one-week cycle for Lauds (Morning Prayer) and Vespers (Evening Prayer) alone.

Like its predecessors, the Major Extracts does not replace the complete four-volume set. Rather, it serves as an alternative single-volume edition that contains the principal hours of the Liturgy of the Hours: Lauds (Morning Prayer), Vespers (Evening Prayer), & Compline (Night Prayer). It also features a condensed selection of Daytime Prayer and the Office of Readings into a concise and portable format.

As a result, the Major Extracts is well-suited for both beginners wanting to incorporate the Liturgy of the Hours into their daily prayer life and seasoned veterans seeking a travel-friendly volume.

Further information will be provided regarding other publication of texts from the Liturgy of the Hours, including devotional prayers and a simple guide to the Liturgy of the Hours.

Praying the Liturgy of the Hours can nourish our faith through:

  • Cultivating our faithfulness through a regular rhythm of prayer, bringing structure to our day and sanctifying each moment with reflection.
  • Connecting us with the communal prayer of the Church.
  • Encouraging our intercessory prayers for others.
  • Deepening our engagement with Sacred Scripture.
  • Guiding our meditation on the life of Christ, the mysteries of the faith, and the witness of the saints.