In the Coptic Orthodox Church Tasbeha is one of my favourite services. It gives you a glimpse of what eternity will be like- praising God always.

Tasbeha is an allegorical expression of humanity travelling from darkness to light.

Since the 4th century church, the church praised God in the early hours . Hence why Tasbeha starts with the hymn: “Arise children of light,”.

Furthering this notion, the progression of Tasbeha can be compartmentalized into the following : Praise God for victory ( 1st Hoas) ; thank God ( 2nd Hoas) ; prayer of Daniel answered (3rd Hoas) ; all creation praises God (4th Hoas) .

Following Tasbeha, the morning service of Matins occurs. In Matins, three takeaways can be noted:

1. Thanksgiving. To ask God to enter the sanctuary for praise.

2. Litany of the oblations. Where things for us change. God taking what is ours and giving us what is His. For instance, we give God our bread, wine , praise and hearts. And God gives us His body and blood. He gives us the eternal instead of the temporal. Heavenly instead of the earthly. We give darkness. God gives us light. This is so precious.

3. Live your Liturgy. Not just in church, but in everything we do. In everywhere we go.

All in all, Tasbeha and Matins are a reminder on us improving, but still having a long way to go.