Lord’s Day 52
Q129. What does that little word Amen mean?
Amen means, this is sure to be! It is even more sure that God listens to my prayer, than that I really desire what I pray for.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Isaiah 65:24
“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”
2 Corinthians 1:20
“For all the promises of God in him yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”
2 Timothy 2:13
“If we believe not, he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
Commentary — Zacharias Ursinus (1616)
The word Amen is not added, as a part of the prayer; but is connected with it to denote, 1. A true and sincere desire that we may be heard, that the thing which we desire and pray for may be ratified and certain, and that God would answer our request.
2. A certainty and profession of our confidence, or a confirmation of our faith, by which we are fully persuaded that we shall be heard. The word "Amen signifies, therefore, 1. So let it be, or let that come to pass which we ask.
2. May God, who is not unmindful of his promise certainly and truly hear us.
Zacharias Ursinus, Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism (1616). Public domain.