Commitment Prayer

Definition and Meaning

Jakjeong (作定) means "to resolve beforehand." Commitment prayer refers to prayer in which one first sets a number of days (for example, 21, 40, or 100 days), a time (for example, 5:00 a.m. every day), and the prayer topics, and then perseveres steadily until the appointed period ends. The term does not appear in the Bible; it is a term from Christian devotional life widely used in Korean churches.

It 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 point to 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 persistent prayer without losing heart (Luke 18:1-8) and the exhortation "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

The tradition of regular prayer in Korean churches is connected with the early morning prayer meeting. The early morning prayer meeting 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: Churches 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 exams, 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: 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 in conjunction with prayer retreat centers, all-night vigils, and tongseong gido (corporate prayer in which many pray aloud together). In denominations that emphasize prayer according to the church calendar, such as the Anglican Church, it more often appears in the form of seasonal prayer than under the name "commitment prayer."

Assessments 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 worry that when it is combined with pledged offerings, it can drift toward a blessing-seeking faith akin to the prosperity gospel.