When we pray, whether individually or corporately, we usually end our prayers with “In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Now, “Amen” is usually and ending used to mean agreement of more than one person. So why do we say “amen” when we are praying alone? We are by ourselves, so why am I agreeing with me about what I just said? It seems weird. There seems to be no one to agree with, therefore, I shouldn’t say “amen”, right? Or should I? It’s just confusing sometimes.
There is the obvious answer of “God is everywhere and he is right there agreeing with you as you pray.” But what about when I am praying to voice my frustrations or when I dislike God in a certain moment? Would God still agree with me? Or would he quietly listen to my frustration like the Good Father he is? I’m not sure.
Here’s my theory, well, at least my logic in why I say “in Jesus’ name, amen” even when I am praying alone.
First off, the name of Jesus is a term that means in the character of Jesus. So to pray in the name of Jesus is to pray with all his power, authority, gentleness, patience, persistence, anything within his character. That’s pretty awesome in itself, much less adding the amen to it.
Second, for the “Amen” part: you have Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. Three beings in one. I’m not even going to attempt to explain that, but the “he’s” have different qualities and purposes. The Father oversees everything, Jesus died to save us all, and the Spirit guides us in what the Father is doing in our lives. The Spirit lives within us. So you really have more than one being in your body. Therefore, when you say “amen”, you are not just agreeing with yourself, you are agreeing with the Holy Spirit guiding you in prayer.
So when you pray, whether individually or corporately, and you say, “in Jesus’ name, amen”, you are praying with all the power and authority of Jesus, and agreeing with and being guided by the Spirit, praying for what the Father is thinking and feeling.
Bite into the meat and throw away the bones. Search Scripture for yourself.
