AMEN!

Disclaimer:  My prayer life has been going through an overhaul of late.  This is not meant to be accusatory; it's just some of the process I've gone through in my own prayer journey.

So what does AMEN mean to you?

            AMEN – I’m done now. 

            AMEN – Let it be done according to my request.

            AMEN – Let it be done according to your wisdom and grace.

Ummm, well when you put it like that, we will probably all choose #3.  But what are we really saying when we say AMEN?  What goes on in our mind or life after we say AMEN?  What would you say if you could not say AMEN at the end of a prayer.  How would you end it?   

#1:  Like a friendly intrusive conversation. “Well, I’ve said all I have to say for now and I really have to get busy. I’ve neglected my world.  I’ve enjoyed it, but I gotta go now.  So be it.” 

#2:  Like an urgent request to an understanding benefactor.  “I know you’re going to give me what I’ve asked for because I’ve really thought about it because it’s reasonable, I’m not being selfish and I have lots of scripture to back me up on this. I know you can do it and I thank you. So be it.”

#3:   “I know you have heard my request and I believe I am in agreement with your word.  I know you give what I ask for in Jesus name.  I know you have the power for all things.  But I understand that sometimes your love and mercy may not give me what I have asked for.  I trust you regardless.  I believe regardless.  I praise you regardless. So be it according to your will.”

The word actually means “So be it.”  But the question remains, what does that mean to you?  I’m going now?  Go get on that?  Not my will but yours be done?  It will probably depend on how you view prayer.  It may depend on what you believe about God.

One more word.  SELAH - "Stop and think about it."