Homer Washatka, age 13, of Utica, N.Y., for his question:

WHY DO WE SAY 'AMEN' AFTER A PRAYER?

Amen is a word used at the end of prayers or hymns. It expresses a wish that requests in the prayer be granted. It also means that the statements made are true.

The word comes from the Hebrew language and maans "so be it" or "so it is."

Its meaning is sometimes conveyed in the New Testament as "Verily," when used at the beginning of a sentence.

You can pronounce the word two different ways: ay men, or ah men. The second pronounciation is ususally used when the word is sung.

"Om" is a sacred syllable in the Sanskrit language, similar in meaning to the English "amen." It might well be translated "so it shall be." It was uttered at the start and close of every Vedic recitation to ensure that the understanding of what was spoken should not be lost.