Psalm 106:48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise you the LORD. St. tells us that it was the custom, in his time, to close every prayer with such a unanimous consent, that the Amens of the people rang and echoed in the church, and sounded like the dash of a mighty cataract, or a clap of thunder. There are several kinds of Amens. I. THE AMEN OF HABIT. People have uttered it from their infancy, all unconscious how much was really contained in that single word. No feeling nor earnestness has accompanied the vocal sound. So far as receiving any benefit from such empty mummery, you might as well expect it from swinging the pendulum of a clock, or by winding up the machinery of an automaton. II. THE AMEN OF HOPE. Melanchthon, once going forth upon some important service for his Heavenly Master, and having many doubts and fears as to his success, was cheered by a company of poor women and children, whom he found praying together for the prosperity of the Church. And so, the Amen of hope is breathed forth by the trusting soul, as it hears the Saviour's promise, "Behold, I come quickly" (Revelation 3:11). III. THE AMEN OF FAITH. When the devout Christian who has poured forth his soul in prayer, says, Amen, it is not the mere utterance of earnest desire, but of undoubting faith in Him who is "always more ready to hear than we to pray." The same gracious Father whose promises we plead in prayer, is able, also, to perform. Faith clasps its arms around the Cross of Jesus, and looks, with undoubting confidence, for an answer of peace. (J. N. Norton.). Parallel Verses KJV: Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD. |
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