Commitment Prayer

Definition and Meaning

Commitment prayer is a form of prayer in which one first determines a number of days (for example, 21, 40, or 100 days), a time (for example, 5:00 a.m. each day), and the subjects of prayer, and then perseveres steadily until the appointed period ends. The term does not appear in the Bible; it is a devotional term widely used in Korean churches, where the practice is known as jakjeong gido, literally "prayer resolved upon beforehand."

Commitment prayer is distinct from a vow. A vow is a promise to God to do something, whereas commitment prayer involves setting for oneself the period and manner of prayer. In practice, however, the two are sometimes combined.

Biblical and Historical Background

Those who practice commitment prayer cite biblical examples of praying or fasting for a set period:

• Daniel's praying three times a day (Daniel 6:10) and his mourning and abstinence for "three full weeks" (21 days) (Daniel 10:2-3)
• The 40-day fasts of Moses (Exodus 34:28) and of Jesus (Matthew 4:2)
• The parable teaching that men ought always to pray and not to faint (Luke 18:1-8) and the exhortation "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

In Korea, the tradition of regular prayer is connected with the early morning prayer meeting, which is generally credited to the Rev. Kil Sun-joo, who began it in Pyongyang. The practice of intensive prayer on appointed days later spread together with the culture of prayer retreat centers.

Practice in Korean Churches

• Congregational level: Korean congregations frequently hold a special early morning prayer meeting for a set period, such as 21 or 40 days. These are commonly timed to coincide with significant seasons in church life, such as the beginning of the year, Lent, or church building projects.
• Individual level: Individuals set a period of prayer for concerns such as university entrance examinations, employment, illness, or family problems. Some stay at a prayer retreat center and combine prayer with fasting, while others mark off each day on a prayer chart distributed by their church.
• Denominational patterns: Among Korean churches, the practice is widespread in many denominations, including Presbyterian, Methodist, and Holiness churches, often in combination with early morning prayer. In Pentecostal churches it is widely known to be practiced together with prayer retreat centers, all-night vigils, and audible corporate prayer (tongseong gido, in which many pray aloud together). In denominations that emphasize prayer according to the church calendar, such as the Anglican Church, it more often takes the form of seasonal prayer than appearing under the name "commitment prayer."

Assessments of the practice are mixed. Supporters hold that commitment prayer helps cultivate the habit of prayer and enables a community to focus together. Critics point out that if the number of days or repetitions is regarded as guaranteeing an answer, prayer may come to be understood as a meritorious work or a transaction. They also warn that when combined with pledged offerings, it can drift toward a blessing-seeking faith akin to the prosperity gospel.