At first glance, some traditions seem small and insignificant and yet they are filled with great importance and are worth passing on from generation to generation. Christians have always observed the AMEN tradition after prayer. I grew up in a home where we said AMEN after each prayer of blessing for our food. Although most Christians remember the AMEN tradition in this way, there is another AMEN tradition that has also remained important to many Christians: singing AMEN at a hymn’s conclusion.

Story of Nancy

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Nancy in the hospital. As I walked into the room the nurse told me that, even though I was welcome to visit for a few minutes, Nancy was not supposed to talk because she needed to regain her strength. I agreed to follow the nurse’s admonition. So, in addition of talking to Nancy, I also decided to sing some hymns to her. I knew that she would join me in singing to the Lord in her heart, which would honor the Lord, as well as comfort and encourage her. Although I really don’t have a “good” singing voice, I decided to sing anyway. God’s commandment to sing to Him, and with His saints, does not apply only to those blessed with beautiful voices, but to all of us, even those with poor voices. We are supposed to use our voices as an instrument of praise to God.

As I anticipated, while I sang each hymn Nancy mouthed the words and in her heart she was worshiping her God. The final hymn I sang to her is called the Doxology, also known as “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.” I ended the hymn and I thought I was done singing when Nancy spoke to me and asked me to please sing the AMEN. She said that the AMENs were her favorite part of singing a hymn. AMEN means “so be it”. When Christians conclude a hymn by singing “AMEN” we are acknowledging and agreeing with what we have just sung. What a wonderful Christian tradition and one that we should not give up!

And with that thought…so be it!