I used the term "audience" rather loosely. I hadn't thought of it the way you two mentioned, but naturally, y'all are correct.

I agree that we should say "amen" to prayers--both sexes. We lilly-white folks have allowed the intolerants (read less learned) to make us stay mighty still in the pews when there is nothing that stops the men from speaking out during the lesson (I encourage it and I have one man that quite frequently dialogues with me during the sermon, sometimes for several minutes, much to the congregation's amusement as we go back and forth), from saying amen (I don't have a problem with the ladies saying amen quietly, but I won't fall out with those who render silent as being totally quiet) and the ladies from speaking during the annoucement/prayer reqest period.

Glad nobody here's taken me to task for my KJV comments and guideguardanddirectus prayers. I have taken some beatins' in my time over those issues.