Prayer Changes MePrimjer

Amen.

The familiar word that seals up our prayers. It comes naturally to us, yet how often have we stopped to think about what we are hinging our prayers upon? The word Amen should not be a formality to end our prayers. It is way more than that, and it has a serious and lasting effect.

Amen has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is based on a root verb with a profound and remarkable meaning, “firm” or “unshakeable.” Isaiah 22:33 is said to capture this word perfectly in its original sense. “I will drive him like a peg into a firm [literally “amen”] place; he will be a seat of honor for the house of his father.”

It is also almost identical to the Hebrew word for “believe,” a beautiful expression of absolute trust and confidence in the God of Amen.

Isaiah 65 speaks of the “God of truth.” This phrase is literally translated in the original Hebrew as “God of the Amen.” This is who we are interacting with when we engage in prayer. The word Amen represents our God who is firm and unshakeable, a stronghold; One who does not change like shifting shadows; Faithful, and True!

Amen was also used to seal an oath or make a covenant binding. When the people said Amen, they weren’t just giving a mere nod; they were coming into an agreement stating that nothing would be able to override this; this was a done deal.

For as many as the promises of God are, in Him, they are yes; therefore, through Him also is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

Through Him is our Amen. To the glory of God through us.

So, when we speak our Amen, may it never be lightly or tacked on as a side note. Let us enter into prayer with the God of the Amen, desiring that His will be done here on earth, as it is in heaven.