Start your day with quick daily devotions: February 21, 2021

Christians use "Amen" to say something. At the end of our prayers we affirm that God absolutely listens and answers our prayers.

Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 1: 18-22 No matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. - 2 Corinthians 1:20

When we end our prayers with "Amen," are we just finishing up? No, the ancient Hebrew word amen has been translated into so many different languages ​​that it has become a universally used word. This little Hebrew word packs a punch: it means "firm", "true" or "sure". It's like saying: "It's true!" "That's right!" "Do it like this!" or "So be it!" Jesus' use of "Amen" signals another significant use of this word. In his teaching, Jesus often begins with the words “Amen, truly I tell you. . . "Or," Truly, verily I tell you. . . ”In this way Jesus affirms that what he is saying is the truth.

So when we say "Amen" at the end of the Lord's Prayer, or any other prayer, we confess that God will certainly hear and answer our prayers. Rather than being a sign of approval, "Amen" is a sending out of trust and certainty that God is listening to us and responding to us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are trustworthy, steadfast, confident, and true in everything you say and do. Help us live in the confidence of your love and mercy in everything we do. Amen.