Psalms 148-150: Praising the Creator

The Church and Praise

• The church is the body of Christ, uniting all members on earth and in heaven.
• Participating in prayers and praises with the saints and angels brings joy in the church.
• Praise is the work of angels, aiming to glorify God without requests.

The Importance of Praise

• Praising is the work of angels and saints in heaven, as described in Psalm 19:1.
• It has the power to change evil habits, sanctify thoughts and senses, and transfer Christian dogma throughout generations.
• Praising is a way to fight the evil spirit and triumph over him.

The Elements of The Midnight Praises

• The Midnight Praises consist of an introduction, four canticles, and other elements.
• The introduction is "Ten Thino", an invitation to praise the Lord, starting quietly and increasing in joyous pitch.

The First Canticle (Hoos)

• The First Canticle comes from Exodus 15, a praise of triumph and defeat.
• It represents the salvation of the Israelites from Pharaoh, symbolizing the salvation of humanity from Satan through the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

Lobsh of the First Canticle

• Lobsh is a Coptic word meaning "explanation", chanted after the first and second canticles.
• On non-Sunday nights, the Gospel according to St. Luke (Luke 2:29) is read after the Lobsh, followed by the 7th, 8th, and 9th parts of the Sunday Theotokia.

The Second Canticle (Hoos)

• The Second Canticle comes from Psalm 135, a praise of joy with salvation and victory.
• It expresses gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His mercy and goodness.

Lobsh of the Second Canticle

• We express our gratitude and thank God for granting us salvation.

The Third Canticle (Hoos)

• The Third Canticle comes from the Continuation of Daniel 3, a deuterocanonical book.
• It represents the salvation of the three young youths from the fiery furnace, symbolizing God's salvation and victory over the devil's temptations.

The Psali of the Three Young Youths (Aripsalin)

• The Psali begins with "O, sing unto Him who was crucified, buried, and resurrected for us".
• It is arranged according to the Greek alphabet and remembers the work of the Lord with the three youths.

The Glorification of the Three Young Youths (Tenoweh Ensok)

• This is a part of the prayer of Azariah, chanted after the Third Canticle and before the Commemoration of the Saints.

The Commemoration of the Saints

• We ask for the intercession and prayer of saints who triumphed over the world, Satan, and his temptations.
• They joined the angels in the life of heaven and help us complete our struggle.

Doxologies

• Doxologies are glorifications of St. Mary, the angels, and the multitudes of saints.
• We give them respect and blessing, seeking their sympathy and aid with their prayers.

The Fourth Canticle (Hoos)

• The Fourth Canticle comes from Psalms 148, 149, and 150.
• It invites nature and humanity to praise and glorify God, participating in the entire universe's praise.

Psali

• Psali is a Greek word meaning "hymn" or "glorification" to Jesus Christ.
• There are two kinds of Psalis: Adam and Batos, used on different days of the week.

Theotokia

• Theotokia is a Greek word meaning "glorifications" of St. Mary the mother of God.
• They come directly after the Psali, glorifying St. Mary and the mystery of incarnation.

Antiphonary (Defnar)

• The Antiphonary is the story of the saint of the day, sung in a hymnal tune.

Conclusion of the Midnight Psalmody

• The conclusion of the praises seeks the mercy of God, saying "O God have mercy on us" and "Lord have mercy" 41 times.
• In the Divine Liturgy, we are united with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, rejoicing in our partaking of Him.