“Can I get an amen?”
You’ve heard that phrase before, whether it’s been in a movie or in jest with some buddies. But how often do you say it?
According to the Pew Research Center, 55 percent of Americans say they pray every day. A survey by Pew found that 23 percent pray weekly or monthly and 21 percent rarely pray or don’t pray at all. But a separate Pew survey found that 76 percent of Americans find prayer to be an important part of their lives.
After many prayers or invocations, believers will often utter the words “amen.” But “amen” has taken on a new meaning. It’s a way of concurring or agreeing with a statement, used by believers and nonbelievers alike. Words like “church” and “preach” have also become slang terms that are comparable to "amen" in that they're words that mean "I agree" or "so be it," while also connecting back to religion.
But have you ever had one of those moments when you just need someone to give you that special “amen” to boost your confidence? Probably. Here are 60 times you could totally use an amen.
1. When you get that job promotion at work even though you thought you wouldn’t.
2. When you decide not to get McDonald’s for lunch and go somewhere healthy instead.
3. When you think you’re looking fly and need someone else to agree.
4. When you and your spouse resolve an argument.
5. When the iOS8 finally finishes downloading.
6. When you get an A on the essay that took you all weekend to write.
7. Once you’ve cleaned the house after months of it being in complete turmoil and chaos.
8. When you’re paying respects to a lost one and you tell your friends you believe they’re going to heaven.
9. When this “sign bunny” stops being a thing.
10. When you’re stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire and a humble and helpful resident comes to your aid.
11. When you’re starving at the U-Haul store, and Jimmy John’s delivers a sandwich to you — even though it’s outside their distribution zone radius.
12. When you’re hyping up a crowd of people and trying to motivate them.
13. That moment when your heater comes on during a blizzard.
14. When you finally figure out how to delete the new U2 album from your iPhone.
15. After you’ve presented a proposal to a slew of investors, and you're waiting to see if they give you the green light.
16. When you Tweet out an opinion about a band you love.
17. The first time you have Five Guys, and you realize what you’ve been missing out on.
18. When you’re going through a rough time, and the only thing that can help you escape the darkness is the assistance of others.
19. When you’re watching your favorite team play in the championship game and they score as the clock hits zero. Note: This does not need to include a Hail Mary type play.
20. Whenever you see the performance of your company, website or industry start to climb, thanks to your team's performance.
21. When you find any of the four new Lay’s chips flavors.
22. When you finally leave a damaging relationship.
23. During church, after your preacher, pastor or priest has dished out a very helpful and inspiring word.
24. When it starts to rain unexpectedly, and you actually have your umbrella with you.
25. When you’re out with some friends, listening to the radio and a pop song from the ’90s comes on.
26. When the person you’ve been pining over for the last few months accepts your invitation for a date.
27. When you and a close friend reconnect, and it’s like no time at all has passed.
28. When the royal couple William and Kate announce they're having a kid.
29. When the royal couple William and Kate announce they're having a second kid.
30. Payday. Enough said.
31. When someone prominent follows — and then retweets — you on Twitter.
32. When you’re a little short on cash at the grocery store, and the helpful person behind you offers to pick up the rest of the tab.
33. When the hot apple cider is ready.
34. When the band you're seeing comes out for an encore song and praises your city right before hitting that final number.
35. When your cellphone has 1 percent battery and won't die.
36. When the cashier at the 12 items or less counter doesn't notice you have 13 things.
37. When it only takes one hour at the DMV.
38. When you’re done studying for and taking a test, leaving your weekend wide open.
39. When your favorite song comes on the radio during a rough day.
40. When your co-workers surprise you with a birthday or anniversary gift.
41. When you go shopping, find the perfect pair of jeans, and realize the store has just your size.
42. After someone says grace at a meal.
43. When you start thinking you have the flu, but the doctor tells you it’s just the common cold.
44. When you think you locked your keys in the car, but find them in your pocket or purse.
45. When that special someone accepts your Facebook friend request or texts you back.
46. When the bus stops for you, even though that bus stop has been taken off the bus route.
47. When everything pumpkin spice starts coming out.
48. When you see a beautiful sunrise or sunset painted across the sky.
49. When that package you ordered from Amazon arrives in time for Christmas Day.
50. When your cookies are done baking and they’re golden brown.
51. When you’ve struggled to overcome a problem or make a change in your life, and then you actually accomplish it.
52. When you agree with someone’s advice about going to church or having faith.
53. When your favorite band comes out with a new album.
54. When you check out the weather forecast on your phone and it shows sun for days.
55. When your flight back home is cheaper than you thought, and the airline upgrades you to first class.
56. When you find that stuffed-away granola bar on the day you forgot to bring lunch to work.
57. When your best friend gets married.
58. When your co-worker brings in S'mores cookies.
59. When Netflix adds your favorite TV show.
60. When it snows on Christmas.
61. When the snow melts before you have to shovel.
62. When your kid is finally potty trained.
63. When you're told by someone that it's a beautiful day outside, and you agree with them.
64. When you post an article online and hope your followers enjoy it.
Have you said “amen” in any other situation? Send an email to hscribner@deseretdigital.com or tweet us @deseretnational using the hashtag #amenoriginals.
Email: hscribner@deseretdigital.com, Twitter: @herbscribner