Noon | The Angelus is prayed for the second time at the noon hour. In rural communities, a bell would traditionally be rung to remind those working in the fields to pause and contemplate God becoming man. 

1 p.m. | Spending time before the Blessed Sacrament is one of the places we encounter Jesus most intimately. Whether spending some time before the tabernacle or simply contemplating a crucifix in your home, thank Jesus for the gift of the Eucharist. 

2 p.m. | The Stations of the Cross are prayed on the Fridays during Lent, but praying the stations can be done at any time of the year. Whether you have pictures of the stations on your phone or in your home, I invite you to pray before all or some of the stations.  

3 p.m. | Jesus taught the Divine Mercy Chaplet to St. Maria Faustina and asked us to pray this prayer during the three o’clock hour. This is a wonderful opportunity to contemplate God’s mercy. The refrain of the prayer is: “For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”   

4 p.m. | Lectio Divina, or “divine reading,” is an intentional way of praying with Scripture. You are invited to read a short passage (I recommend something from the Psalms or New Testament) and then meditate on what is taking place in the reading and speak to God about what you read. Afterward, sit in silence, contemplating the presence of God with you. 

5 p.m. | Adding to a gratitude list can be a prayer of thanksgiving which helps you call to mind your blessings and thank God for them. 

6 p.m. | The Angelus is prayed for the third time at the six o’clock hour. The ending prayer each time the Angelus is prayed is: “Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts: that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.” 

7 p.m. | The Liturgy of the Hours is the universal common prayer of the Church. It is composed mainly of the Psalms, poetic prayers from the Old Testament that Jesus himself would have prayed, and has set prayers for morning, afternoon, evening and night. You can pray by following a book (available online) or with a prayer app such as iBreviary. As we conclude our day’s work, celebrating evening prayer is a way to thank God for what has been given us and for what we have done well during the day.

8 p.m. | As your day draws to a close, consider saying another popular angel prayer, the St. Michael prayer. This is a perfect prayer as night descends to ask for protection from the forces of darkness and the powers of evil. “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

9 p.m. | How about listening to some spiritual music? There is a common saying that to sing is to pray twice. Put on a soundtrack of faith-filled songs or hymns, and let the lyrics speak to you, and if you know the song, sing along.  

10 p.m. | The Examen prayer, based on St. Ignatius of Loyola’s writings, is a way to review the events of your day. Consider the times you responded in love to God, yourself and others, as well as the times when you did not respond in love. Ask for God’s help to respond with love tomorrow.

11 p.m. | Consider using this time to pray for all who have died. Praying for the holy souls in purgatory is a spiritual work of mercy.