Psalms 119:164

Seven times a day do I praise thee - We have often seen that seven was a number expressing perfection, completion, etc., among the Hebrews; and that it is often used to signify many, or an indefinite number, see Proverbs 24:16 ; Leviticus 26:28 . And here it may mean no more than that his soul was filled with the spirit of gratitude and praise, and that he very frequently expressed his joyous and grateful feelings in this way. But Rabbi Solomon says this is to be understood literally, for they praised God twice in the morning before reading the decalogue, and once after; twice in the evening before the same reading, and twice after; making in the whole seven times. The Roman Church has prescribed a similar service.

In a manuscript Saxon Homily, Domin. 3, in Quadrag, a.d. 971, I find the following singular directions: -

Every Christian man is commanded that he always his body seven times bless with the sign of Christ's cross.

1. First, at day-break.

Second time at undern tide, (nine o'clock in the morning).

The third time at midday.

The fourth time at noon-tide. (3 o'clock P.M.)

The fifth time in the evening.

The sixth time at night ere he go to rest.

The seventh time at midnight. A good man would do so if he awoke.

It seems that the sign of the cross was thought sufficient, even without prayer.