The Alternative to “You’re Wrong!”

“For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

The Lord’s Prayer concludes with elegant words of praise … that were not part of the original prayer!

Everything prior in the Lord’s Prayer comes straight from the lips of Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13. But the concluding words are a doxology added afterward. Many trace its origins to the early church fathers; some claim the concluding doxology was incorporated as early as the first century AD.

Let’s zero in on the final word, which is the final word in virtually any prayer. “Amen” is an Old Testament word meaning “so shall it be.” It’s a word of agreement.

Wouldn’t you like more “amens” in our world? More statements of agreement?

Instead of amen, we read and hear:

• You’re wrong!
• I’m offended by what you just said!
• That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard!
• You have no right to say that!
• That’s a bunch of baloney!
• And worse …

Now, to be fair, a world in which everyone agreed on everything would be a dangerous place. We need different viewpoints. For example, in a season of non-stop decision-making related to how the church functions, I’m incredibly grateful for those who have expressed different viewpoints. Diverse perspectives have helped our church and school leadership to think through issues from multiple angles and, I pray, reach the best decisions.

When it comes to God’s Word, however, we approach with humble hearts, ready to learn. We affirm the teachings of Scripture by saying “Amen!” We affirm prayers that reflect scriptural teachings by saying “Amen!”

Luther’s Large Catechism states, “All depends on this, that we learn to say ‘Amen.’ This means that we do not doubt that our prayer is surely heard and that what we pray shall be done (2 Corinthians 1:20).”

The 2 Corinthians verse says, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him (Christ). That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.”

God is faithful. We can trust Him. He hears our prayers. It all depends on Him.

Can I get an “Amen!”?

Yesterday: Is Today’s World the Most Evil Ever?