Devotional #129

Question 129. What does the word “Amen” signify?

Answer: “Amen” signifies, it shall truly and certainly be: for my prayer is more assuredly heard of God, than I feel in my heart that I desire these things of him (a).

(a) 2 Corinthians 1:20: For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
2 Timothy 2:13: if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

For your personal reflection:
“Amen” expresses the willing agreement of your mind and heart with the revealed mind and heart of your heavenly Father.  The better we know the character of God and the story of God’s saving interaction with His people the more confidently we add our “Amen”to this prayer.  Lastly, please note, as mentioned previously, that Jesus intended this to be pattern for your prayer (Matthew 6.9 – “in this manner, therefore, pray).  The temptation is to take the pattern and make it the prayer.  His goal was to teach us to pray – not simply give us proscribed prayers.
What do we need to do so that we may properly say, “Amen?”
What is the negative consequence of turning a pattern of prayer into the actual prayer?
What is at the heart of all prayer?

End of the Heidelberg Catechism