O
OneSheep
Guest
Hi Folks,
In my prayer life I have happened upon a different way to say “Amen”, which makes me wonder how many different ways people actually use the word.
The word “Amen” means “so be it”. It can mean “truly” and it expresses agreement i.e. “Amen to that!”.
What I am specifically referring to is the “Amen” we say at the end of any prayer, for example a prayers of intercession, petition, or thanksgiving.
As an extension, it has come to me to be curious that in the Mass we pray “Lord, have mercy”. Our Father is infinitely merciful, it is a fact that this is so. Of course, we have times in our lives where we doubt, and it can be comforting to ask for mercy when we construe that God might withhold mercy even though our faith tells us otherwise. Instead, when I recall my sins, the one who may be unmerciful is me (or someone else!
). When I say “Lord have mercy” knowing that He is always merciful, then the tone is set not only as a guide toward self-forgiveness but also to have the courage to seek forgiveness from others.
Can others relate to this?
Amen. (everything is going to be all right)
In my prayer life I have happened upon a different way to say “Amen”, which makes me wonder how many different ways people actually use the word.
The word “Amen” means “so be it”. It can mean “truly” and it expresses agreement i.e. “Amen to that!”.
What I am specifically referring to is the “Amen” we say at the end of any prayer, for example a prayers of intercession, petition, or thanksgiving.
- I think that sometimes I say “amen” meaning “all done”.
- sometimes it is a final “please”
- then there is “I respectfully end this prayer”
- or “so be it” meaning “this is what I requested”
As an extension, it has come to me to be curious that in the Mass we pray “Lord, have mercy”. Our Father is infinitely merciful, it is a fact that this is so. Of course, we have times in our lives where we doubt, and it can be comforting to ask for mercy when we construe that God might withhold mercy even though our faith tells us otherwise. Instead, when I recall my sins, the one who may be unmerciful is me (or someone else!
). When I say “Lord have mercy” knowing that He is always merciful, then the tone is set not only as a guide toward self-forgiveness but also to have the courage to seek forgiveness from others.Can others relate to this?
Amen. (everything is going to be all right)
