The Daily Office

For centuries, followers of Jesus have shaped their lives around fixed times of prayer known as the Daily Office. Rooted in Scripture and developed through the life of the early Church, this rhythm invites believers to pause throughout the day to pray the Psalms, read Scripture, confess, give thanks, and return again to the presence of God.

This course is designed to move beyond simply learning about prayer and into actually practicing it.

Through guided teaching, Scripture, historic Christian writings, and intentional exercises, you will be invited to establish a sustainable rhythm of daily prayer. Drawing from the wisdom of the Rule of St Benedict and supported by devotional readings from Daily Strength Training, the course offers both theological depth and practical guidance for everyday life.

Along the way, you will be introduced to two influential voices from the Christian tradition whose writings continue to shape the life of prayer.

Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547) is best known for writing the Rule of St Benedict, a guide for monastic communities that has shaped Christian spiritual life for centuries. His vision was simple yet profound: to order daily life around prayer, Scripture, and obedience to God. Benedict’s approach is deeply practical, offering a rhythm of life that is steady, sustainable, and centered on returning to God again and again.

Augustine of Hippo (354–430) was a pastor, theologian, and one of the most influential thinkers in Christian history. In his Confessions, Augustine reflects honestly on his own spiritual journey, revealing a deep longing for God and a recognition of the restlessness of the human heart. His writings invite us into a life of honesty, humility, and desire for God’s presence.

The course follows a classic pathway of spiritual formation:

Purification — turning the heart toward God
Illumination — learning to walk in the light of His Word
Union — integrating prayer into the whole of life

Each lesson is designed as a guided experience that includes teaching, reflection, prayer practices, and weekly assignments. Rather than rushing through content, you will be encouraged to move at a steady and attentive pace, allowing these rhythms to take root in your daily life.

By the end of this course, you will not only understand the structure of the Daily Office, but begin to live it. You will develop a simple and sustainable pattern of prayer and take meaningful steps toward forming a personal Rule of Life.

You are not being evaluated. You are being invited.

This is an opportunity to slow down, return to God, and begin shaping your life around His presence.