Maranatha - Come, Lord Jesus
The ancient prayer expressing longing for Christ's return and the completion of redemption.
The Book of Revelation ends with a promise and a prayer: 'He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.' 'Maranatha' (Aramaic: 'Our Lord, come!') was among the earliest Christian prayers. It expresses longing for Christ's return, dissatisfaction with the broken world, and confidence in God's promises. This prayer has sustained persecuted believers throughout history. It is both protest against present evil and hope for future glory. Until Christ returns, we pray 'Come, Lord Jesus,' yearning for the day when faith becomes sight.
He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The earliest Christians used 'Maranatha' in worship, expressing their deepest hope. It remains the church's prayer until Christ returns: 'Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.'
Book of Revelation
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- What Christianity says about longing and hope
The Bible's last pages carry one of the oldest Christian prayers, a single request: come. It is a request and not a report, which means the book closes in longing.