Contextualization of Early Morning Prayer in Korea

Abstract

Early morning prayer is one of the most prominent characteristics of Korean Christianity. Although the gospel was delivered to Korea by Western missionaries, early morning prayer is a unique tradition in the Korean church. The purpose of this article is to examine the culture and the theology of early morning prayer and to conduct a missiological evaluation from the perspective of contextualization. On the cultural dimension, the practice of early morning prayer is examined in relation to the practice’s historical, religious, and social background. On the theological dimension, dawn prayer was connected to Korean church revival and provided the impetus for evangelism, overcoming a national crisis and world mission. This study discusses its cultural and theological suitability and considers a more appropriate model of contextualization. Appropriate contextualization of early morning prayer also provides implications for mission in other Asian countries.