Prayer Mountain

A Prayer Mountain is a facility built on a piece of elevated, privately owned land for the purpose of prayer, meditation and fasting. The practice of building such a facility is probably rooted in religious monasticism and its monasteries, where entering monks renounce worldly connections to devote themselves solely to spiritual learning and development.[1]

Monastic life plays an important role in many Christian churches, especially in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Similarly, the practice of monasticism is evident in other religious faiths, most notably in Buddhism [2], although the expression differs considerably.

History

The practice of building and maintaining Prayer Mountain facilities originated in South Korea, where an intense prayer culture sprang up among South Korean Christians of the late 1800s. Faced by strong opposition from the state religions and philosophies, namely Buddhism and Confucianism, as well as the mandatory imposition of Shinto by the invading Japanese forces, Korean Christians who resisted were subjected to persecution and even public execution. In desperation, these Christians ascended nearby mountains during the early hours before dawn to fast and intercede for their country before God. At sundown, they would again ascend the mountain to continue their prayers.

The Church in South Korea has a unique way of praying as a congregation (Tunseung-Kido) — they tend to wail as if they are storming heaven intensely with their petitions. This practice is probably a remnant of the days when they cried before God atop mountains. Legend said that anyone who passed by these mountains would hear the agonizing cries of the people as if the mountains themselves were weeping for Korea. From then on, prayer and fasting have been the hallmark of the strong South Korean Church.

Osanri Cho-Jasil, South Korea

In South Korea, the most notable Prayer Mountain facility is the Choi-Jashil. It is owned and operated by the Youido Full Gospel Church, one of the largest evangelical churches in the world. It is built on a privately acquired, naturally elevated land formation in Osanri Jori-myeon, Paju, in northern Gyeonggi province, near the Demilitarized Zone.

Dr. Paul David Yonggi-Cho, the founding Executive Pastor of the Youdio Full Gospel Church, was instrumental to the building of the facility. Dr. Cho believes that a prayer is a tool for the spiritual revival of nations, especially his own country, South Korea. Dr. Cho teaches that prayer brings brokenness, which is a requirement for anyone who desires to be used by God to affect changes in his or her country.

The Osanri Choi Ja-Sil Prayer Mountain is only one of the many Prayer Mountain facilities in the region. It was established to provide a secluded place of prayer for those who desire to be alone with God. It is designed to accommodate 10,000 guests at a given time with both western and Korean-style sleeping facilities. It is open to all Christians from around the world who wish to come and visit.

The Prayer Culture of South Korea

First-time visitors to South Korea might note the unique qualities of Korean prayer culture. This culture, which developed and matured in those early days of persecution, includes the following practices:

  • Daily dawn watch prayer

Most South Koreans will wake up at 4:30 in the morning to attend daily prayer meetings at the local church house. In Seoul alone, there are churches in nearly every corner that are filled up by parishioners attending the dawn watch every morning.

  • Overnight prayer watches and intercession

In many churches in Seoul, Fridays are set aside for overnight intercessory prayers. The Osanri Cho-Jasil itself is host to such overnight prayer watches attended by Christians, not only South Koreans, but also visiting delegates from churches around the world.

  • Tongsung-Kido

A Korean style of corporate prayer characterized by its loudness and intensity.

Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain, Philippines

Bread of Life International Ministries and its Founding Executive pastor Rev. Caesar "Butch" Conde built the Touch of Glory retreat center in Antipolo on a piece of land donated by Tia Arling Gozon. Gozon donated the land during the height of the Martial-law era as a place of intercessory prayer for the Philippines after being inspired by the history of South Korea's prayer revival. It is the first of its kind in the Philippines and South East Asia and continues to draw Evangelical Christians of different churches and parachurch organizations, to pray for the Church.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Maa, Wonsuk. "The Korean Pentecostal Movement: Retrospect and Prospect for the New Century". aps-journal.com. Australasian Pentecostal Studies, 2002. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  2. ↑ Luekens, David. "What is the Importance of Monasticism in Buddhism?". classroom.com. Leaf Group Ltd., 29 Sept 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2018.

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