Most of us use the word “Amen” to end our prayer. Jesus did so as well at the end of His model prayer in Matt 6:9-13. But is “Amen” just to be a complementary close or merely a signal that the prayer has ended? Or is there greater significance to the word and it’s usage?
The word Amen is translated from both the Hebrew and Greek to mean "it is so"; "so be it"; "verily"; "truly"; "most assuredly". It is interesting to note that Jesus used the term on many occasions, not at the end, but at the beginning of His discourses. In this context it was translated “verily” or “most assuredly”.
Nonetheless, the use of “Amen” can lend to your effectiveness in prayer if utilised beyond mere tradition. At the end of your personal prayer you say Amen as an expression of faith. You have absolute trust and confidence that your request has been heard and shall be granted. "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14,15).
As part of corporate prayer, or in prayer with others, Amen is said if you are in agreement with the prayer. You join with all those praying, personally accepting the declarations made, and agree that it shall be so – Amen!
Amen is also an appropriate response to the Word of God. When the Word is read, proclaimed or declared, you express your acceptance of it, as the Word of God, by saying Amen! Your trust and confidence that it is indeed God who has spoken causes you to shout Amen! Your sincere desire to see the fulfilment of God’s Word, stirs within you the joyful refrain: AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! Yes Lord, let it be done!