“Amen”
Many of our
brethren have dropped the practice of saying "amen" at the end of
prayers, and when they agree with what has been said from the
pulpit. However, we note that saying "amen" is an
altogether scriptural thing to do. In 1 Cor. 14, Paul mentions it. In this
context he is dealing with the use of spiritual gifts in the worship of the
church at Corinth. Specifically he argued that speaking in unknown tongues
should be limited to occasions when an interpreter was available (see
especially vs. 27,28). Unless this rule was observed, it resulted in chaos,
with no one knowing or understanding what was being said. Under those conditions,
it would be impossible for others to "say Amen at thy giving of
thanks" (vs. 16). While the miraculous spiritual gifts have ceased, the
teaching about the use of the "amen" still has application.
"Amen"
is from a Hebrew word that has been transliterated into both the Greek and
English. When spoken by men it literally means "so let it
be". Speaking the word at the end of a prayer simply expresses the
desire of the one praying that these things come to past. Others show a similar
desire by adding their "amen" to what has been said. According
to W. E. Vine, the Greek construction in 1 Cor. 14:16 shows that this was a
common practice in the New Testament church.
Several
factors obviously come into play in this matter. First, the prayer
must be spoken loudly enough and plainly enough to be both heard and
understood. The thoughts expressed must also be scriptural in content. And we
should listen closely so that we may be sure that we agree with what has been
said before adding our ‘amen’. The same rules would hold true regarding things
spoken from the pulpit. Caution ought to be used so that this never becomes a
thing done by habit or ritual, and without meaning.
Brethren
have historically added their "amen" to the scriptural prayers of
others, and when the preacher spoke "as the oracles of God" (l Peter
4:11). We can and should do the same.
- by Greg Gwin
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