Why do we end our prayers with “Amen”?

Answer

The Hebrew term translated as “amen” means “truly” or “so be it.” The Greek New Testament also includes “amen” with the same meaning. Deuteronomy contains nearly half of the Old Testament occurrences of amen. In these instances, the people respond to God’s pronouncement of curses for various sins. After each declaration, it is stated, “and all the people shall say Amen” (Deuteronomy 27:15-26). This signifies the people’s approval of the righteous judgment delivered by their holy God, affirming, “So let it be.” The amen signifies the listeners’ belief that the judgments they heard were true, just, and certain.

Seven references in the Old Testament connect amen with praise. For example, the statement “Then all the people said ‘Amen’ and ‘Praise the LORD,'” in 1 Chronicles 16:36, illustrates the association between amen and praise. In Nehemiah 5:13 and 8:6, the Israelites confirm Ezra’s exaltation of God by worshipping the Lord and obeying Him. Obedience is the highest form of praise to God, and when we say “amen” to His commands and declarations, our praise is like sweet music to His ears.

Most New Testament writers conclude their epistles with “amen.” The apostle John uses it (in the KJV) at the end of his gospel, two of his three letters, and the book of Revelation, where it appears nine times. Each instance is associated with praising and glorifying God, often referring to the second coming and the end of the age. Paul affirms the blessings he bestows upon all the churches in his letters by saying “amen,” as do Peter and Jude in their letters (KJV). This implies that they are expressing, “May it be that the Lord will truly grant these blessings to you.”

When Christians say “amen” at the conclusion of our prayers, we are following the apostles’ example, entreating God to “plePlease let it be as we have prayed.” Remembering the connection between amen and the praise of obedience, all prayers should be prayed according to the will of God. Then when we say “amen,” we can be confident that God will respond “so be it” and grant our requests (John 14:13; 1 John 5:14).