It’s a relatively rare occurrence in my church, but every once in a while, someone will shout out, “Amen!” If you watch closely, you’ll notice some people cringe. Others just ignore it, unsure of what to do. Which one are you?
Of course, “Amen” isn’t a new word. We say it at the end of every prayer. I mean, it doesn’t count if you don’t say Amen, right? But have you ever stopped to ask why? Do you even know what it means?
Derived from Hebrew, amen means “truly,” “so be it,” or “let it be.” It’s more than a formal sign-off or a religious habit. Whether whispered at the end of a prayer, sung in worship, or shouted during a sermon, this little word carries weight. When we say it, we’re declaring: Yes—I believe this. May it come to pass.
So the next time you say “Amen,” pause for a moment. You’re not just ending a prayer. You’re affirming it. You’re sealing it, with faith that God will make it happen.