I’m one of these strange humans called a “morning person.” My mind and body are best functioning before noon and even greater than evening and nighttime. A prayer rule is a practice of being in God’s presence throughout the day. The Apostle Paul taught early Christians to pray without ceasing. St. Ignatius Briancahninov suggested that if one couldn’t pray ceaselessly, pray frequently. We all have times when we are more alert and physically ready for various task. I admire “night owls” who can stay up late for vigils that go beyond midnight. It’s great that some of us seem to have energy after lunch or dinner. I find it easier to wake up at “you gotta be kidding me” o’clock (4:30 am) for prayer and spiritual reading.
The tradition in Orthodox Christianity is not to tell the details of your spiritual practice to everyone. Only one’s father (or mother) in the faith should know these things as a guide on the journey. So, there are a few things I do and don’t record for the public. But what I do share is a general service of the Hours. Praying at the first, third, sixth, and ninth hour (say 6 am, 9 am, 12 pm & 3 pm) of the day has been a common practice among early Christians since the days of the apostles. In Acts 3, Peter and John were still going to the Jewish temple for the 3 pm service when they healed a lame beggar. Again, Peter found a quiet spot on the roof top at noon when he saw the vision of the unclean beast in Acts 10. While God moves in His own way and will, it stands to reason that He empowers and appears to those who seek Him daily and throughout the day.
But isn’t this type of prayer a tradition of men that is to be avoided? Some Jewish practices were not to be a burden placed on others, such as circumcision and abstaining from certain meats. Indeed, the early Church clergy didn’t require that all attend such services. Some taught that a sincere morning and evening prayer as our Lord did was good enough for most believers and that the prayers need not be long.
But what fan of a sports team does not watch an entire game if he (or she) has time to do so; especially if the team is beating a bitter rival? Looking up the stats online or watching ESPN highlights is not the same. Likewise, we seek to be in the Lord’s presence as much as we can. We don’t do this as a requirement. We do so out of our love for Him and our desire to grow in His grace.
Getting up very early in the morning every day is not for everyone. My First Hour Prayers are recorded on YouTube and can be watched at your convenience. Let it play while grooming, dressing, or eating breakfast if you wish. Perhaps this rule will inspire you to meet with a spiritual father (or mother) to help you develop a rule of your own.
Join us for First Hour Prayers live at 5:40 am, or watch recorded later on the YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@fr.deaconjohngresham7650
West Point Orthodox Christian Chapel 