Short backgrounds on daily prayer and worship times across the faiths listed on this site.
Prayer names open today's times for that faith so you can see when they are scheduled.
Alot haShachar is halachic dawn, when the first light of morning begins to appear. It marks an important threshold for certain mitzvot, fasts, and early-morning practices, but is not itself a prayer service. Different methods calculate Alot using degrees below the horizon or a fixed interval before sunrise, so the exact time varies by halachic authority and community.
Amrit Vela is the pre-dawn period traditionally devoted to remembrance of God, meditation on the Divine Name, and prayer. Sikhs may rise during this quiet period for simran and the recitation of the morning Nitnem. Amrit Vela describes a period of spiritual practice rather than a single prescribed minute. The time shown here is a practical pre-sunrise reference.
Asr is the third of the five obligatory daily prayers and is performed in the afternoon. Its starting time is determined by the length of an object's shadow and differs among schools of Islamic jurisprudence. The Hanafi calculation generally produces a later starting time than the method followed by the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools. The Asr period ends at sunset.
Brahma Muhurta is a traditional pre-dawn period regarded as especially favorable for meditation, prayer, spiritual study, yoga, and other contemplative practices. It occurs before sunrise and is not itself one of the three Sandhya observances. The time shown here is calculated from local sunrise as a traditional reference. Practices during this period vary widely among Hindu traditions and individuals.
Chatzot is halachic midday, the midpoint of the daytime period according to the calculation being used. It serves as an important dividing point for a number of Jewish laws and practices and helps determine other zmanim, including the afternoon prayer period. Chatzot is a zman, not a separate prayer service. Its precise time can vary according to the method used to define the halachic day.
Compline is the evening office traditionally prayed after the evening meal and following Vespers. Centered on psalms and prayers, it brings the day's worship toward rest and entrusts the coming night to God. Small or Great Compline may be used according to the liturgical season and occasion. The time shown here is an evening reference; actual observance varies considerably between parish and monastic practice.
Compline, the Twelfth Hour of the Agpeya, is traditionally prayed before sleep. It commemorates the burial of Christ and encourages reflection on mortality, judgment, repentance, and trust in God's protection through the night. The time shown here is a practical evening reference rather than a fixed requirement, and actual practice varies among individuals and communities.
Night Prayer, traditionally called Compline, is the final prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours and is normally prayed before retiring for the night. It is a brief office centered on psalms, Scripture, prayer, and trust in God's protection through the night, and may conclude with a Marian antiphon. This site places it approximately ninety minutes after sunset as a practical reference rather than a prescribed time.
Dhuhr is the second of the five obligatory daily prayers and is performed after the sun has passed its highest point in the sky. Its prayer period extends into the afternoon until the beginning of Asr. On Friday, the congregational Jumu'ah prayer takes the place of Dhuhr for those obligated to attend it. Exact times may vary slightly according to calculation method and local practice.
The Divine Liturgy is the principal Eucharistic service of the Orthodox Church, centered on Scripture, prayer, thanksgiving, and the celebration of Holy Communion. It is especially associated with Sundays and feast days and is traditionally celebrated in the morning, often following the Sixth Hour. Unlike the canonical Hours, the Divine Liturgy does not have a universal daily clock time. The time shown here is a practical reference; actual times are determined by each parish or monastery.
Rehras Sahib is the evening Nitnem prayer, traditionally recited around sunset after the day's work. Its hymns express praise, gratitude, reliance on the Divine, and spiritual renewal at the close of the day. It is commonly followed by Ardas. This site uses local sunset as a practical reference, while individual and congregational practice may vary.
An evening period for meditation, chanting, recitation, or reflection. Evening practice is common in many Buddhist temples and monasteries, although its form varies considerably among traditions. It may include meditation, teachings or sacred texts, devotional chanting, and the dedication of merit. The time shown here uses sunset as a practical solar reference, not a prescribed Buddhist prayer time.
Evening Prayer is a traditional daily office in several Protestant traditions and is especially prominent in Anglican worship, where it may also be known as Evensong when celebrated chorally. It commonly includes psalms, Scripture, canticles, thanksgiving, and intercessory prayer. Lutheran traditions also retain forms of Vespers or Evening Prayer. This site uses sunset as a practical reference; actual observance varies by denomination and congregation.
Fajr is the first of the five obligatory daily prayers and is performed before sunrise. Its time begins at true dawn, when morning light first appears across the horizon, and ends at sunrise. The precise beginning of Fajr can vary according to the calculation method and twilight angle used by different authorities and communities.
The First Hour is the first of the four canonical Hours and is traditionally associated with the beginning of the day, approximately 6 AM. Its psalms and prayers give thanks for the light of a new day and ask God for guidance and protection from sin. In practice, the First Hour is often joined to the conclusion of Matins. The time shown here is a traditional reference rather than a universal parish service time.
Havdalah is the ceremony marking the separation between Shabbat and the new week. Traditionally recited over wine or grape juice, fragrant spices, and a multi-wicked flame, it is performed after Shabbat has ended at nightfall. The precise ending time of Shabbat varies according to the method and community used to determine nightfall, so local practice should be followed.
Isha is the fifth and final obligatory prayer of the day and is performed at night. Its time begins after the evening twilight has disappeared and continues through the night, although the preferred period for performing it is more limited. The calculated starting time can vary according to the twilight angle or other method used, particularly at high latitudes and during seasons when twilight persists.
Morning Prayer, traditionally called Lauds, is one of the two principal hours of the Liturgy of the Hours. Through psalms, Scripture, the Benedictus, and intercessions, it consecrates the beginning of the day to God and recalls the Resurrection of Christ. This site uses sunrise as a practical solar reference. Actual prayer times vary by parish, religious community, and individual practice.
Madhyahna Sandhya is the midday observance of the traditional threefold Sandhyavandanam practice. Like the morning and evening observances, it centers on prayer, purification, mantra recitation, and contemplation, with practices varying according to Vedic tradition and lineage. It is traditionally observed around midday. The time shown here uses local solar noon as a practical reference.
Maghrib is the fourth of the five obligatory daily prayers and begins immediately after sunset. Its prayer period continues into the evening until the beginning of Isha, with details varying among schools and calculation methods. During Ramadan, sunset also marks the end of the daily fast, and Muslims traditionally break their fast at this time.
Matins, also called Orthros, is the morning service of the Orthodox daily cycle. It includes psalms, hymns, biblical canticles, prayers, and readings, with the Gospel also read on Sundays and major feast days. Themes of divine light, Christ's Resurrection, and the feast or saint of the day feature prominently. Matins is traditionally associated with the approach of daybreak, although actual service times vary by parish, monastery, and liturgical tradition.
The Office of Readings, historically associated with Matins, is a longer period of prayer centered on psalms, Scripture, and readings from the Church Fathers or other spiritual writers. Although traditionally connected with nighttime or early morning prayer, it may now be prayed at any hour of the day. The time shown here is an approximate early-morning reference rather than a prescribed hour.
Midday Prayer provides a brief pause during the day for Scripture, prayer, thanksgiving, and intercession. Formal midday offices are found in some Anglican, Lutheran, and other Protestant traditions, while many Christians follow less structured forms of personal prayer. There is no universal Protestant requirement to pray at noon. This site uses solar noon as a practical reference for midday prayer.
The Midnight Office, also called Nocturns or Nocturne, is the nighttime office of the Orthodox daily cycle. Its psalms and prayers emphasize spiritual vigilance, repentance, and readiness for Christ's return. It remains particularly associated with monastic practice and is less commonly celebrated as a regular parish service. Midnight is a traditional reference for the office rather than a requirement that it begin precisely at 12 AM.
Midnight Prayer is one of the seven canonical hours of the Agpeya and is traditionally prayed during the night. It focuses on spiritual watchfulness and preparation for Christ's Second Coming. The office is divided into three watches, also recalling Christ's prayers in Gethsemane. The time shown here is an approximate reference, since the hour may be observed differently in personal and communal practice.
Mincha Gedola is the earliest standard time for praying Mincha, the afternoon service. It occurs one-half of a seasonal hour after halachic midday. Mincha Gedola marks the opening of the afternoon prayer period rather than a separate prayer or service. Its exact clock time changes with the season and the calculation method used.
Mincha Ketana is a later point in the afternoon prayer period, beginning nine and one-half seasonal hours into the halachic day. It is traditionally regarded as a preferred period for Mincha because it more closely corresponds to the time of the afternoon Temple offering. It is a zman within the Mincha prayer window, not a separate prayer service.
Misheyakir is the early-morning time when natural light is sufficient to recognize a familiar person at a short distance. In practical halachic use, it marks the earliest time for certain daytime mitzvot, particularly wearing a tallit and tefillin. Different authorities use different solar calculations to approximate this level of morning light, so published times may vary.
Morning Nitnem is the daily recitation of prescribed Gurbani traditionally performed during Amrit Vela, before the activities of the day begin. It includes Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, and Tav-Prasad Savaiye, with additional morning banis commonly recited according to tradition and practice. The time shown here is an approximate morning reference; the essential association is with the early-morning period rather than a precise clock time.
Morning practice is common across many Buddhist traditions and may include meditation, chanting, recitation, taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, or renewing the ethical precepts. The form varies by school, temple, and individual practice. Buddhism does not prescribe a universal prayer hour after sunrise, so the time shown here is an approximate solar reference rather than a canonical requirement.
Morning Prayer is a traditional daily office in Anglican, Lutheran, and some other Protestant traditions. It commonly includes psalms, Scripture readings, canticles or hymns, intercessions, and the Lord's Prayer, with the form varying by denomination. It may be observed communally or privately at the beginning of the day. This site uses sunrise as a practical reference rather than a prescribed Protestant prayer time.
Netz haChama is sunrise, when the upper edge of the sun appears above the horizon. It is particularly significant for Shacharit: the practice known as vatikin coordinates the morning prayers so that the Amidah begins at sunrise. Netz is a solar zman, not the name of the morning service, and Shacharit may also be prayed later within its permitted time.
Kirtan Sohila is the nighttime Nitnem prayer, traditionally recited before going to sleep. Its five hymns reflect on praise of the Divine, the transience of life, and trust in God's presence and care. Unlike Rehras Sahib, its timing is connected primarily with retiring for the night rather than a particular solar event. The time shown here is a practical nighttime reference.
Night Prayer is a close-of-day practice found in some Protestant traditions, including forms of Compline in Anglican and Lutheran worship. It may include confession, psalms, Scripture, thanksgiving, and prayers entrusting the coming night to God. It is often observed privately or in small communities before sleep. There is no universal Protestant night-prayer hour, so the time shown here is a practical evening reference.
A later period for meditation, chanting, or quiet reflection before the end of the day. Depending on the tradition, practitioners may reflect on their conduct, cultivate loving-kindness or compassion, recite teachings or mantras, or dedicate the merit of their practice to others. There is no universal Buddhist night prayer or prescribed hour. The time shown here is an approximate reference for personal practice.
The Ninth Hour is traditionally associated with approximately 3 PM and commemorates the Passion and death of Christ on the Cross. Its psalms and prayers prepare for the transition from the daytime cycle into the evening services. The Ninth Hour traditionally precedes Vespers and is one of the four canonical Hours. The time shown here reflects its traditional placement rather than a universal service time.
None, the Ninth Hour of the Agpeya, commemorates Christ's death on the Cross and His acceptance of the repentance of the thief crucified beside Him. Its prayers emphasize repentance, redemption, and God's grace. This site places None approximately three hours after solar noon, corresponding to the traditional ninth hour of the day.
None is the traditional midafternoon hour of the Divine Office, historically associated with the ninth hour of the day. Together with Terce and Sext, it forms part of Daytime Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. This site places it approximately three hours after solar noon. Actual observance and clock times vary among religious communities and individual practitioners.
Midday may be used for meditation, study, walking practice, or other forms of recollection, depending on the community. In some monastic traditions, especially Theravada, the daily meal is traditionally completed before noon. Buddhism does not establish solar noon as a universal prayer time, so this listing serves as a practical daytime reference rather than a prescribed observance.
Plag haMincha is a late-afternoon zman occurring one and one-quarter seasonal hours before the end of the halachic day, according to the calculation method being followed. It is relevant to several timing rules, including early Maariv and, under appropriate circumstances, Friday candle lighting. Plag is a halachic time marker rather than a separate prayer service.
Pratah Sandhya is the morning observance of Sandhyavandanam, traditionally performed around dawn. The practice may include ritual purification, offerings of water, recitation of sacred mantras, and Gayatri mantra meditation. It is traditionally associated with Vedic practice following initiation through Upanayana and is not a universal daily requirement for all Hindus. The time shown here is based on local sunrise.
Prime is the First Hour of the Coptic Agpeya and is traditionally prayed upon waking in the morning. It gives thanks to God for the beginning of a new day and recalls Christ as the true Light, His Incarnation, and His Resurrection. This site uses sunrise as a practical reference. Actual prayer times may vary by individual, family, parish, or monastery.
Sayam Sandhya is the evening observance of Sandhyavandanam, traditionally performed around dusk as day transitions into night. Its practices may include ritual purification, offerings, sacred recitation, and meditation on the Gayatri mantra. Customs vary by Vedic tradition and lineage. The time shown here is based on local sunset and serves as a practical reference for the evening observance.
Sext, the Sixth Hour of the Agpeya, commemorates the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ. Its prayers reflect on Christ's sacrifice and ask for freedom from sinful desires and faithfulness to His commandments. This site places Sext at solar noon, corresponding approximately to the traditional sixth hour of the day.
Sext is the traditional midday hour of the Divine Office and one of the three forms of Daytime Prayer. Its name reflects the sixth hour of the ancient day. This site places Sext at solar noon. Outside communities that observe the full sequence of hours, Catholics praying the Liturgy of the Hours may use one of the daytime hours according to the time of day.
Shabbat candles are lit on Friday before sunset to welcome and honor Shabbat. A common custom is to light 18 minutes before sunset, although the interval varies among communities and locations. Because candle lighting must occur before Shabbat begins, the locally accepted candle-lighting time should be followed when precise observance matters.
Shkiat haChama, or shkiah, is sunset and an important boundary in Jewish law. It affects the timing of daily prayers, Shabbat and festivals, fasts, and many other observances. Shkiah is a solar zman rather than a prayer service. The period between sunset and definite nightfall has a distinct and sometimes uncertain halachic status.
The Sixth Hour is traditionally associated with noon and commemorates the Crucifixion of Christ. Its psalms and prayers reflect on Christ's Passion and seek God's mercy and protection. In the traditional daily cycle, the Divine Liturgy is commonly celebrated after the Sixth Hour when a Liturgy is appointed. The time shown here is a traditional reference rather than a fixed parish schedule.
Sof Zman Shma is the latest time for fulfilling the morning obligation to recite the Shema. It is a deadline rather than a prayer service. Major calculation methods, particularly those associated with the Magen Avraham and the Vilna Gaon, can produce different times. The appropriate zman therefore depends on the halachic practice being followed.
Sof Zman Tfilla, more commonly transliterated Sof Zman Tefillah, is the latest standard time for the morning Amidah. It generally occurs four seasonal hours into the halachic day, although its clock time depends on how the beginning and end of the day are calculated. It is a prayer deadline rather than a separate service, and different calculation methods can produce different times.
Sunrise marks the end of the time for Fajr and is included here as an important solar reference rather than one of the five obligatory daily prayers. Voluntary morning prayers, including Ishraq, may be offered after sunrise once the prohibited period immediately following sunrise has passed. The time shown is calculated for the selected location and date.
Terce, the Third Hour of the Agpeya, recalls Christ's trial before Pilate, His Ascension, and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples at Pentecost. Its prayers ask for the grace and renewal of the Holy Spirit. This site places Terce approximately three hours after sunrise, reflecting the traditional third hour of the day.
Terce is the traditional midmorning hour of the Divine Office, associated historically with the third hour of the day. It is one of the three forms of Daytime Prayer, together with Sext and None. This site places it approximately three hours after sunrise as a solar reference. Communities and individuals who observe Terce may use different clock times.
The Third Hour is traditionally associated with approximately 9 AM. Its prayers commemorate Christ's trial and Passion and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost. Together with the First, Sixth, and Ninth Hours, it forms part of the Orthodox daily cycle of prayer. The time shown here reflects its traditional placement in the day; actual observance varies among churches and monasteries.
Tzeit hakochavim is halachic nightfall, traditionally associated with the appearance of three stars. It is an important threshold for the evening Shema and Maariv, the end of fasts, and determining when Shabbat and festivals have ended. Different communities calculate nightfall using solar angles, fixed intervals after sunset, or other accepted methods, so published times can differ.
Vespers is the evening service that begins the Orthodox liturgical day, traditionally around sunset. Through psalms, hymns, prayers, and readings appointed for the day, it gives thanks for creation and prepares for the feast or commemoration to come. Great Vespers is commonly celebrated on the eve of Sundays and major feasts. The time shown here uses sunset as a practical reference; actual service times vary by parish and monastery.
Vespers, the Eleventh Hour of the Agpeya, recalls the taking down of Christ's body from the Cross. At the close of the day, its prayers give thanks for God's protection and call the faithful to repentance. This site uses the approach of sunset as a practical reference. The Agpeya hour is distinct from the Coptic church service of Raising of Evening Incense.
Evening Prayer, traditionally called Vespers, is one of the two principal hours of the Liturgy of the Hours. It gives thanks for the day through psalms, Scripture, the Magnificat, and prayers of intercession. This site uses sunset as a practical solar reference. Vespers may be prayed privately or in community, with actual times determined by the parish, religious community, or individual.
This prayer reference covers the daily times listed on My Sacred Times. Local and regional customs can still differ. Times are approximate. If something important to your community is missing, or a description needs a correction, please write to us at info@mysacredtimes.com.
