Continue steadfastly in prayer…—Colossians 4:2 (RSV)
I did not say “Amen” at the end of my early-morning prayer today. It was an impulsive decision, but I didn’t want to close my prayerful conversation with God just then. Instead I felt a nudging need to remain in close communication all day long…as I made decisions, entered into conversations or walked down the street, alone with my thoughts.
The word Amen is used in several ways in the Bible. It is a Hebrew word meaning “firm” and “certainly” and is sometimes used to express approval, meaning “Pray it be so.”
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It also is used by Jesus to give emphasis to His words and is translated as “verily.” But most commonly, Amen is used at the end of prayers to confirm the words and mark the finish of a prayer, a practice started by worshipers in the early church. Amen becomes the spiritual period at the end of a prayer sentence.
This morning I wasn’t ready to put a period on my prayer. It was my on-purpose way of committing myself to remain in conversation with God all day long. So I’m not going to say “Amen” until just before I fall asleep tonight.
Do you want to join me in an all-day-long prayer?
Father, today I’ll practice talking to You all day long.
