The first recorded hour of prayer in the Bible is that of Nehemiah, who prayed from midnight to dawn (Nehemiah 4:7). Nehemiah was asking for the Lord’s help in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He prayed for guidance, courage, strength, and the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit.
This was the beginning of the threefold prayer pattern, which is observed in many churches today-the Morning, Evening, and Midnight Devotions. Nehemiah’s prayer sets the precedent for prayer as an important part of a believer’s life-a tool for seeking guidance, protection, and blessing from the Lord.
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What is the prayer of the first hour?
The prayer of the first hour is traditionally known as the “Prime” prayer – a set of Psalms and prayers prayed as part of the ancient monastic offices of the Divine Hours. The traditional prayer for the first hour is as follows:
“O Lord, open my lips,
And my tongue shall declare Your praise.
My sacrifice, an offering of praise to You,
O Lord, is the humble voice of my devotion.
O God, be merciful to me, according to Your great mercy.
From the depths of my heart, I cry out to You, O Lord.
O Lord, hear my voice and be gracious to me,
For I am Your humble servant.
Give me grace to faithfully serve You, and may my words be pleasing to You.
Hear my prayer, O Lord,
And bless me according to Your will.
For You are my God and my Savior,
And I am Your faithful follower.
Amen.”
How do you start Holy Hour?
To begin a Holy Hour, begin by taking a few moments to collect and focus your thoughts, offering a brief prayer for inner peace and quiet in your heart. After this, go before and venerate the Blessed Sacrament exposed, such as in a tabernacle or monstrance and ask for Jesus to grant you His grace.
Spend a few moments in silent prayer reflecting on Jesus’ presence, offering Him your love in whatever form is most appropriate to your heart that day.
If you are able, you can use a guide to help focus your meditation. This could be in the form of a prayer book, written guide, mission statement, or any other type of scriptural reading or talk. This could take the form of praying the Rosary, reading some passages of the Bible or another devotional, or saying the Stations of the Cross.
Once you have concluded the guided part of your Holy Hour, close with a prayer of thanksgiving, such as a blessing prayer. In conclusion, spend some time in silent meditation and reflection on the mysteries of our faith, focusing on Jesus and thanking Him for His mercy and love.
At the end of your Holy Hour, offer a prayer for a particular intention or person before saying “Amen”.
Why did Egypt stop speaking Coptic?
Egypt stopped speaking Coptic around the 13th century because of the Islamic conquest in the 7th century. The Arab conquest gradually spread the Islamic faith throughout the country and with it, the Arabic language.
Coptic was the language of the indigenous Christian population of Egypt and was predominantly used in religious contexts, but it gradually fell out of use.
One of the main factors that led to Coptic being displaced by Arabic was a shift in religious practices. Supporters of Coptic language and culture were encouraged to convert to Islam, thus reducing the population of native Coptic speakers.
Additionally, Arabic made it easier for people to interact with other Islamic nations and thus opened up more opportunities for commerce.
In addition to its replacement by Arabic, Coptic was affected by the collapse of the Coptic Christian Church. During the 11th and 12th centuries, a number of Coptic Patriarchs declared their allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church, leading to a decrease in the popularity of Coptic among Egyptian Christians and ultimately leading to its demise.
Ultimately, the combination of the Islamic conquest, the shift in religious practices, and the collapse of the Coptic Church led to the decline of Coptic in Egypt. In the present day, Coptic can still be found in religious contexts and is still used in some areas by small Christian communities, but it is no longer the primary language of Egypt.
What does Coptic times mean?
Coptic times refer to the period of time spanning from the first to the eighth centuries AD in which Alexandria, Egypt and its surrounding areas primarily followed the Coptic Orthodox Church. This church was founded by St.
Mark in the 1st century AD and was a blend of Egyptian and Hellenistic cultural influences, with its own language and unique faith. During this time, the Copts spread their faith, culture, and language around the world, throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
The Egyptian city of Alexandria was a main center of Coptic life, with churches, monasteries, schools, and other organizations related to the faith. By the 8th century, the Coptic faith had become firmly established in Egypt under the patronage of the Abbasid Caliphate.
This period is significant for its combination of faith, culture, and language – it was during this time that the Coptic language was standardized and the Copts laid the foundations of their faith and culture.
Why is 3 pm the Holy Hour?
The Holy Hour from 3 pm to 4 pm has a special historical significance. This was the hour Jesus Christ died on the Cross and it is sometimes called the “Hour of Great Mercy”. A traditionally accepted time for prayer, devotion and meditation on the Passion of Our Lord, it is also known as “The Hour of Grace”.
For the Christian faithful, this hour has become a powerful tool for drawing near to God, in prayer and thanksgiving for His infinite love and mercy. Devotion to the Most Holy Hour has been an integral part of many spiritual lives for centuries, with some Christians participating in Eucharistic Adoration and praying the holy rosary during this special time.
This hour offers a unique opportunity to offer our praises and supplication to the Lord, amounting to what has been known as “the hour of prayer that saves the world”. As Catholics we are encouraged to regularly pray at this hour, both individually and in groups.
What are the hours in Orthodoxy?
The daily liturgical cycle in Orthodoxy is organized around the eight canonical hours, which are also known as the divine offices or the divine services. These prayers are sung and chanted throughout the day and create a connection to the divine both for the individual believer and for the entire community.
The eight canonical hours are:
• The First Hour: This is the first prayer of the day, said at daybreak. It is often called Prime or Vigils.
• The Third Hour: This is said at mid-morning, usually at 9am. It is often called Terce or Mid-Morning.
• The Sixth Hour: Prayed at noon and is often referred to as Sext or Mid-day.
• The Ninth Hour: Prayed in the mid-afternoon and is often called None or Mid-Afternoon.
• Vespers: This is the evening service, offered at sundown. It is often referred to as Evening Prayer or Evening Service.
• Compline: The night prayer, offered at 9pm. This service is also known as Night Prayer or Night Service.
• Matins: Prayed at midnight and is also known as Midnight Office or Midnight Service.
• The First Hour: This is the morning prayer, often said at daybreak. It is also known as the morning office or morning service.
All of these services are usually done in a Church, led by a priest or deacon. However, in some circumstances (such as during lengthy journeys) Orthodox believers can pray the services in their own home.
When did prayer first start?
Prayer has been practiced since ancient times and its beginnings are difficult to pinpoint. Historians cite prayers in the Christian Bible from 1,700 BCE and in ancient Hindu scriptures from 3,000 BCE, as well as ancient Chinese and Egyptian texts from 1,000 BCE.
Prayer practices have changed over time and developed as different religious and spiritual beliefs have formed, but the primary purpose remains the same – to connect with a higher power to show reverence, seek guidance, and give thanks.
What was the first prayer that God taught us?
The first prayer that God taught us is known as the Lord’s Prayer. It is found in the Bible in the book of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 9-13. It states, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen. ”.
This model prayer was originally given by Jesus for us to be able to model our prayers after and to show us to keep our requests focused on God’s desires and will for us. While individuals may change up the wording from time to time, most of the prayers we utter are based off of this well-known passage.
The Lord’s Prayer is seen as a cornerstone of Christianity and is regularly recited in Christian gatherings, together with other prayers.
What is the oldest prayer in Christianity?
The Lord’s Prayer is often considered to be the oldest prayer in Christianity and is prominent in both the Old and New Testaments. It is a prayer that Jesus taught to his disciples and is found in the Gospel of Matthew 6:9-13.
It is known as a prayer of petition, asking for help and guidance from God to live a holy life. This prayer is a model for other Christian prayers, as it emphasizes important teachings of God and was intended to be repeated multiple times during prayer.
While the Lord’s Prayer is the oldest and most widely-known prayer in Christianity, other ancient prayers can be found in various Christian scripture and religious writings. Perhaps one of the oldest prayers can be found in Psalm 27 from the Old Testament, which speaks of God’s protection and faithfulness.
Other ancient prayers span centuries, with authors ranging from St. Augustine of Hippo to St. Thomas Aquinas.
What was Jesus first prayer?
Jesus’ first recorded prayer is found in Luke 3:21. As Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, the scripture says that “When all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized, and while he was praying, heaven was opened.
” This is the first instance in the Bible where Jesus is recorded as praying and is often referred to as Jesus’ first prayer. In this particular prayer, we don’t know exactly what words Jesus spoke or what His mindset was.
However, it is likely that Jesus was expressing gratitude to God for His great grace, expressing faithful obedience to fulfilling His father’s will, and praying for strength and wisdom to begin His earthly ministry.
Who started pray?
As it is believed to be a very ancient practice. Prayers and forms of worship have been practiced for thousands of years across many different cultures and religious beliefs. That being said, many ancient religions and cultures practiced some form of prayer and worship — such as worshipping gods, goddesses, and other spiritual entities, offering gifts, and chanting or singing formulaic invocations.
In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, prayers were regularly offered to deities by making sacrifices and burning incense. Many ancient Mesopotamian cultures offered prayers to their gods through sacrifices and rituals, while ancient Norse culture encouraged people to give thanks and homage to Odin, Freya, and other gods through poetry and chanting.
The roots of religious prayer practices in modern Christianity can be traced back to Jesus and the earliest disciples. In the Bible, Jesus is described as having spent long hours in prayer, and he lectured his followers on the importance of prayer.
Since then, prayer has been a common and accepted part of Christianity and other major religions, such as Judaism and Islam.
What are the 3 main prayers?
The three main prayers of the Christian faith are the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Nicene Creed.
The Lord’s Prayer is the most well-known prayer and is found in Matthew 6:9-13. It is traditionally prayed by Christians as a prayer of surrender and humbling of oneself before God.
The Apostles’ Creed is a statement of Christian beliefs and is found in several places in scripture, most notably Matthew 16:13-20. It is known as the oldest creed in Christianity.
The Nicene Creed is a statement of belief that was originally composed in 325 and was revised in 381 during the First Council of Constantinople. It is considered a symbol of unity among Christians, as it was used to gain a consensus among the early Christian faith on the facts of the Christian faith.
These three prayers remain the core of Christian prayer and belief today.
How many times did the Bible say to pray?
Its importance is evident throughout scripture. The Bible establishes firmly that prayer is an essential part of our relationship with God. Praying is simply a conversation with God. We offer our hearts to Him (Jeremiah 29:12), talk about what troubles us (1 Peter 5:7), bring good news, ask for forgiveness, and make our desires known (John 15:7).
The Bible teaches us to embrace a lifestyle of prayer and make it a regular part of our lives.
The Lord Jesus himself prayed often. In the New Testament alone, He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42), on a mountain (Luke 6:12-13), and in the Temple (Luke 18:11-13), and He taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
Daniel 9:3 says, “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” Jesus also encourages perseverance in prayer in Luke 18:1-8.
The apostle Paul also expressed a high view of prayer throughout his writings. In Ephesians 6:18, he encourages us to pray “always with all kinds of prayers and requests” so that we may be strengthened to resist temptation.
The Bible clearly communicates that prayer is an important part of our relationship with God. The importance and regularity of prayer is left up to the individual believer, but it is evident that prayer is an essential part of the Christian life.
What are the 8 canonical hours?
The 8 canonical hours, also known as the divine office or “Opus Dei” (Work of God), are times of prayer prescribed by the Catholic Church, beginning at dawn and ending just before bedtime. They are part of the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours and serve as an aid to prayer.
They involve a series of hymns, biblical readings, and prayers. The 8 canonical hours are as follows:
1. Morning Prayer (Lauds): Usually the first hour of the day, starting at sunrise.
2. Office of Readings: Begins shortly after sunrise and involves reading Scripture, the writings of the Church Fathers, and other Church-sanctioned writings.
3. Terce: Morning prayer that follows the Office of Readings, it follows a three-psalm cycle.
4. Sext: This hour begins midday and is made up of six psalms to pay homage to the sacrifice of Jesus and to signify the sixth hour of the day, when Jesus was crucified.
5. None: The ninth hour of the day. This hour pays tribute to Jesus’s death on the cross and includes the beatitudes and praise for the beauty of Creation.
6. Vespers: Evening prayer that takes place after sunset, this hour offers praise and thanksgiving for the day’s blessings.
7. Compline: This hour, which takes place before bedtime, is a time to reflect on one’s life and pray for protection during the night.
8. Night Prayer: This is a time of prayer and thanksgiving, similar to Compline, but more focused on confessing one’s sins and seeking God’s forgiveness.
