Among those new to their faith, going to church, or joining Christian fellowship, one of the most common questions often asked is how to end a prayer properly. Is there a right or wrong way to end a prayer? Praying is a direct communication between you and God Almighty. As with a conversation on the phone, at the end of a letter, or some other form of communication, an ending will always stand you in good stead. So beginners, when growing in their faith and aspects of Christianity, may often asked themselves, ‘how do I end a prayer?’
A Word About Praying and the Process of Prayer
Prayer is a way to communicate with God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. When we pray, we are confirming our faith and belief that God can hear us. Praying doesn’t have to be in a formal setting, nor of a certain length, nor is there a certain position you must take in order for your prayer to reach God’s ears.
Even so, the question of how to end a prayer with respect, as well as assurance of your faith that your message has reached heaven, a certain ending or conclusion is often recommended. For example, when you write a letter or have a communication on the phone, certain parts are often required: the opening or salutation, the body of the letter or conversation, and then a polite ending of either the conversation, the letter, or in this case, a prayer.
So when you ask, ‘How do I end a prayer?’, it’s the same way you would end a conversation with a friend. Generally, conclusions to a letter or a conversation can include things like goodbye, thanks for listening, or thank you for your attention to my concerns, or simply, sincerely. In this way, a person is indicating that their message, question, comment, or topic of conversation has been delivered as well as heard.
In many cases, when praying, Christians end their prayers with terms like “Amen” or, “in Jesus’s name I ask”, or even “Thank you God, for listening to my concerns/request/blessings/thanks.” In other words, while prayer doesn’t have to be formal in nature, it should have a beginning and an end, shouldn’t it?
When you say a prayer and you have faith and belief that God will hear you, be humble. God is willing to listen to all of us, at any time, but we must also remember, especially in today’s society when casualness is the norm, that due humbleness, courtesy, and respect should always be observed when praying. After all, God is the Creator of everything, and His magnificence is beyond our wildest imaginations. He gave His only son, Jesus Christ as a sacrifice so that we may have everlasting life. As such, your prayers must always come from the depths of your heart and soul. Remember that God knows what’s in your heart more than you might realize.
When it comes to how to end a prayer, some people may be more casual in the conclusion than others. Because we are encouraged to pray anytime and anywhere, there are times when our prayers are perhaps not as formal as one would find in a church setting. A ‘Thank you, God, for listening to me’, is a common conclusion to a prayer, but using the word ‘Amen’ is among the most popular.
How to End a Prayer Properly
Do you have to end a prayer by saying ‘Amen’? In the Holy Scriptures, the term amen is commonly found at the end of prayers, but the term can also be similar to figures of speech such as “let it be so,” or, “so be it.”
The use of ‘Amen’ is a word often used to indicate your acknowledgment of the prayer that you have just given. In the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, the term is often used to confirm a statement, request, blessing, or a testament of faith. In the Old Testament book of Numbers (5: 22) – Moses says, at the end of a speech, “Amen, so be it.”
The term “Amen” is also often given as a confirmation of one’s oath, or promise, such as that found in the Old Testament book of Nehemiah (5:13). After speaking to a congregation of people, they said “Amen!” and praised the Lord.
In the New Testament book of First Corinthians (14:16), the term is used to conclude a prayer. “Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say…”
In the New Testament book of John (14: 13), we are implored to pray in the name of Jesus Christ as our intercessor. Here, Christ himself exhorts us to understand that, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever…”
Do You Have to Say “Amen” When It Comes to How to End a Prayer Properly?
God does not “order” us to say Amen at the end of a prayer. It is the purpose of prayer and the spirit in which it has been given that is most important. Addressing the Lord with courtesy and humbleness is always recommended, as is ending your prayer with an acknowledgment of His power, His might, and His glory, not to mention His will.
It’s a matter of manners for many Christians who pray. Using the term ‘amen’ at the end of a prayer is a way to acknowledge God’s promises, to close a prayer, or to emphasize a truth, such as when the term can also be used as “most assuredly”. In other words, use of the term ‘Amen’ is an acknowledgement that you are concluding the prayer with faith and assurance that you have lifted your voice up to the heavens, to the Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, and that you have been heard.
