Praying the Agpia - The Prayers of the Hours

About this book

Praying the Agpia: The Prayers of the Hours by H.H. Pope Shenouda III is a practical guide to the daily prayer of the Coptic Orthodox Church, for every Christian who wants a deeper, steadier prayer life.The Agpia (also spelled Agpeya) is the traditional Coptic Orthodox book of the hours. Its name comes from the Coptic word for "hour". There are seven prayers in the Agpia: the First, Third, Sixth, Ninth, Eleventh and Twelfth Hours and the Midnight Prayer, as David the prophet said, "Seven times a day I praise You" (Psalm 119:164). Each prayer contains an introduction, Psalms, a Gospel passage, petitions, prayers common to all hours, an absolution and a conclusion.Praying with the Agpia teaches us how to converse with God. It holds supplication, gladness, joy, glorification, thanksgiving and submission to God. It also contains Orthodox doctrine and reminds us through the day of the great events in the life of Jesus. It is a true school of prayer.In this book Pope Shenouda explains the many spiritual benefits of praying the Agpia, and discusses the evidence for praying the Psalms through the day and for this practice in the apostolic era.Ideal for daily devotion, catechism, youth meetings and anyone who wants to learn to pray with the Church.