Amen is a declaration of agreement or affirmation. It means so be it. It is used at the end of prayers. It is used to confirm a statement. It is used to express agreement. It is a word of faith. It is spoken by the congregation. It is spoken by the individual. It is a small word. It carries weight.

The word comes from the Hebrew aman. It means to be firm, trustworthy, or faithful. It is related to the word for faith. Amen is used in the Old Testament. It is used in the New Testament. Jesus used it often. He said Amen, amen, I say to you. It is translated truly or verily. It introduces a solemn statement. It calls for attention. It calls for belief.

Amen in worship

• Ends prayers: so be it.
• Confirms doxologies: agreement.
• Affirms scripture: truly.
• Expresses faith: I believe.
• Unites the congregation: we agree.

Amen is a verbal signature. It says: I agree with what was said. It says: I receive it. It says: I believe it. It is not just a word. It is an act. It is a commitment. When the congregation says amen, they are saying yes to God. They are saying yes to the prayer. They are saying yes to the truth. Amen is the sound of faith. It is the sound of hope. It is the sound of a people gathered before God. It is a simple word. A child can say it. A king can say it. It is the same word. It is the same faith. It is the same God. Amen.