Tag Archive for: Amen

Start with Amen

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Armodoxy for Today: Amen

Prayers end with a one-word sentence: Amen (alternatively pronounced: Āmen). It means “So be it.” The word Amen is written with a period after it. It is a complete expression defying the norms of sentence structure with a noun and verb. So be it.

It is a ratification on our part. Throughout Scripture, we find Jesus is asking us to participate in the Kingdom. Amen is the single word answer to that participation request. It is a complete and solid admission that we are in sync with a prayer or a statement. So be it. Amen.

This week we will be looking at Christ’s invitation to us, to not be passive in the face of the miracle of life, but to participate. Amen, is often stated at the end of a prayer, for our purposes, it is the first step in participating in God’s Kingdom. So be it.

Today’s one minute for Summertime.

Amen – Letting Go

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Armodoxy for Today: Amen – Letting Go

Letting go, for many people, is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do. Letting go means an end has come to a relationship and continuing life with that relationship is no longer an option. We are emotional creatures and continuity, as the word relationship implies, gives us stability. Letting go threatens that stability and therefore is often mixed with painful feelings.

Interestingly enough, we end our prayers with a statement that proclaims we have let go. The word, “Amen” is our resignation to the fact that we have turned over our cares to God. Amen is an affirmation of our trust, our hope and our faith in God. We end each prayer saying, “So be it” or “Let it be so.” Amen. It is the ultimate statement of letting go. We relinquish control.

Letting go is essential, particularly in this age of information. Being bombarded day in and day out with news, it is easy to become distraught and lose hope. In fact, most of the news items we are given fill us with information and not much more. And so, it becomes exceedingly important, for us to admit that certain events and issues are beyond our immediate control. Turning to Armodoxy – you find that relinquishing access of those things you cannot control allows you to sort out your life and be more productive and spiritually alive. We end our prayers with the word “Amen” as an outward profession that we have turned over matters to God: Let it be.

Protestant theologian Reinhold Niebuhr authored a short prayer that is often used in 12 step programs.  It allows us to place issues and events in context. It turns over to God what we cannot do and confesses “Amen” or “let it be.”

Therefore, join me in prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the thing I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Amen.