Skip to content
The Historic Faith
Sign in

Jumpstarter 6 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion
Shadows of Christ  /  Lecture 2: Seeing Christ in Daniel  /  Discussion Questions
All Questions
Question 6
The lesson claims early Christians prayed three times daily (9, noon, 3) facing east, tied to Jesus’ crucifixion hours and expectation of His return; what would have to change in your daily life to even attempt a practice like that, and what heart-resistances immediately rise up against it?
Another way to ask: What would you have to change in your schedule to try praying three set times a day, and what inner pushback do you feel right away?

Direct Answer The transcript doesn’t map out personal scheduling changes, but it implies you’d need deliberate interruptions of your day and a willingness to re-center on Christ’s cross and return—while resisting excuses that push prayer to the margins.

Support from Transcript:

  • Chuck describes an “ancient Christian practice… to pray… three times a day,” not because it’s required, but as a formative rhythm: “obviously we can pray anytime.”
  • The times were fixed: “9:00 at noon and at 3:00 p.m.” tied to Mark 15’s crucifixion timeline (third, sixth, ninth hour).
  • He says Christians faced east “awaiting the return of the Messiah,” linking the habit to Matthew 24’s “lightning… from the east.”
  • He notes archaeological support: churches “oriented… to facing the east,” showing it shaped public and private life.
  • He gives a biblical example of set-time prayer: Peter in Acts 10 “at noon… went up to the roof to pray.”
Discussion Follow-ups What do you fear losing if prayer interrupts work, entertainment, or convenience? Do you resist because it feels “too structured,” or because it would expose how hurried your life is?

Jumpstarter 6 of 10
Back Questions Next