When spoken by sincere human lips, the word “amen” has the meaning of “so let it be!” When used properly, it is an indication of approval, confirmation, and support for something spoken or done. Regardless of whether the statement is a curse upon sin (see Deuteronomy 27:14-26) or a prayer for divine blessing (Matthew 6:9-13), “amen” is a personal declaration of agreement with God’s will.
Jesus’ use of “amen” at the conclusion of the model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is significant for at least three reasons:
“Amen” indicates my sincerity and confident faith in God. If the model prayer is nothing more than a rote mumbling of meaningless words, the use of “amen” at its conclusion is sacrilege. Jesus’ example for prayer is intended to be a vibrant sketch of how your heartfelt confidence in God’s fatherhood, sanctity, sovereignty, providence, authority, ability, and wisdom sincerely expresses itself.
“Amen” expresses my intense longings and deepest desires of my heart. Prayer which focuses upon God’s will and my prompt obedience to all of it is worthily punctuated by “Amen”. Prayer which earnestly strives to cultivate and exercise a forgiving spirit is worthily punctuated by “Amen”. Prayer which eagerly longs for personal purity and passionate praise of God is worthily punctuated by “Amen”.
“Amen” confesses and places my hearty stamp of approval upon the truth of the horrors of sin and the enormity of its guilt. It also affirms my expectation of spiritual victory in every battle.
“Amen” is not simply an ending point, it also is a launching pad.
