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Amen

Amen: 

How many times have you said the word “Amen?” If you think about it, you’ve probably said it thousands of times in your life, but have you ever stopped to wonder what the word “Amen” means? I know I never did until recently when my daughter asked me what it meant after praying, and I had to admit that I didn’t know, but it’s always said at the end of prays. When I looked up the word “Amen,” I discovered that its origin is from the Hebrew language and that in English it translates to “it is so” or “so it be” (Dictionary.com/amen). So, when we prayer a pray, such as “The Our Father,” and resound “Amen” at its conclusion, we are in fact declaring our confirmation of the prayer—that the words we have spoken are indeed true and, therefore, the truth. 

Words have power. The Bible tells us, in the Gospel According to John, that “In the beginning was the Word; the Word was in God’s presence, and the Word was God” (John 1:1), and “The Word became flesh...” (John 1:14). From the beginning of time, God shows us the power of The Word (Jesus), and the power of His truth, creation, and gift of life. If we, therefore, think about the language of the words we say, in them is power—albeit entirely different than the power of The Word. At a basic level, our words contain the power of tone and meaning. So, the next time your lips proclaim “Amen” when you pray, think about the depth of what you are saying and feel and sing within your heart your belief in the truth you proclaim. I know I sure will! 




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