Where did Pope Kyrillos III say that reading should be more frequent than prayer because it is the beginning of intelligent prayer?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-09

The statement you are referring to regarding the priority of reading as the foundation for "intelligent prayer" is a cornerstone of the spiritual teachings of Pope Kyrillos VI (the 116th Pope of Alexandria), rather than Pope Kyrillos III.

It is a well-known instruction he gave to his spiritual children, particularly those seeking to deepen their life of prayer. He emphasized that spiritual reading is the fuel that ignites the heart for a meaningful conversation with God.

The Teaching

Pope Kyrillos VI taught:

"Let your reading be more than your prayer, for reading is the fountain of intelligent prayer."

He also frequently said:

"Reading is the mother of prayer; it prepares the mind and moves the heart to stand before God."

Theological Significance

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, this teaching aligns with the wisdom of the Desert Fathers. The logic behind this instruction is as follows:

1. Preparation of the Mind: Without spiritual reading (especially the Holy Scriptures and the lives of the Saints), the mind remains scattered and filled with worldly thoughts. Reading gathers the mind and focuses it on the divine.
2. Intellectual vs. Emotional Prayer: By "intelligent prayer," the Pope meant a prayer that is conscious, understood, and rooted in the truth of God’s Word, rather than a mere repetition of words or a fleeting emotional state.
3. The Fountain: Reading provides the vocabulary and the spiritual "themes" that flow naturally into prayer. When one reads about the mercy of God, their prayer naturally becomes a plea for mercy; when one reads about the Passion of Christ, their prayer becomes one of thanksgiving and contrition.

While Pope Kyrillos III (ibn Laqlaq) was a significant figure in the 13th century known for his contributions to Coptic Canon Law and reaching various ecclesiastical agreements, the specific pastoral exhortation regarding reading as the "fountain of intelligent prayer" is the hallmark of the life and letters of Pope Kyrillos VI, who lived a life of deep liturgical prayer and constant meditation on the Word of God.