Tertullian · a new plain-English translation from the original language
As to time, it will not be a wasted exercise to observe, additionally, certain hours too — I mean those familiar ones marking the day's turning-points — third, sixth, ninth hour — which turn out in the Scriptures to carry the greater solemnity. [2] The Holy Spirit was first poured out on the disciples, gathered together, at the third hour. [3] Peter, on the day he experienced the vision of the whole community's fellowship in that vessel, had gone up to the upper rooms at the sixth hour for the sake of prayer. [4] The same Peter, together with John, was going up to the temple at the ninth hour, where he restored the paralytic to health. [5] Now even if these things stand simply, without the force of any precept of observance, it is nonetheless good to establish some settled practice, one which both enforces a reminder to pray and, as if by law, wrests us away from our business now and then for such a duty — just as we read was observed by Daniel too, following, of course, the discipline of Israel — so that we pray not less than three times a day at least, debtors as we are to the Three, Father and Son and Holy Spirit — apart, of course, from the regular prayers which are owed without any reminder at the entrance of light and of night. [6] But also, believers ought not to take food, nor go to the bath, before prayer has intervened. For the refreshments and nourishment of the spirit are to be reckoned before those of the flesh, since the heavenly comes before the earthly.