Philon d'Alexandrie
v. 20 av. J.-C.-v. 45 1st century
Praying at set hours, and letting the whole day order itself around them.
Who was Philon d'Alexandrie?
A Jewish notable of Alexandria, from a wealthy and well-connected family, he read the Torah in Greek and spent his life searching out its hidden sense. In 39, after the pogrom that wrecked his quarter, he led the embassy of the Alexandrian Jews to Rome and pleaded before Caligula, who sent him away without an answer. He left the only ancient description of the Therapeutae, men and women withdrawn near Lake Mareotis, who prayed at sunrise and at sunset.
In their own words
And they are accustomed to pray twice every day, at morning and at evening […] their minds may be filled with heavenly light.
They leave their possessions to their sons or daughters, or perhaps to other relations, giving them up their inheritance with willing cheerfulness.
Being intoxicated all night till the morning with this beautiful intoxication [of singing and prayer], without feeling their heads heavy or closing their eyes for sleep.