Why not say The Lord’s Prayer and a couple Hail Marys?

Growing up in the Catholic Church I am familiar with the prayers and recitations taught in this religion. Each religion has their own set of “practices”, or traditions that are followed. It’s okay to ask “why”. For example:

Why am I a Baptist? Well, simply because Jesus taught and practiced baptism in scripture. He commanded that the first step after becoming a believer, simply to show others that you identify with Christ, was to be baptized by immersion in water.

Why do I use the King James Bible? Because it is the closest “translation” of the Bible to the original. It’s the original Bible for the English speaking people. Other translations since 1611 when the King James Bible was translated contain error, or misleading text. (TOO MUCH TO UNPACK HERE! This is info for another post.)

Anyway, my point is: It’s okay to question things. You ought to know why you do the things you do, and why your beliefs are what they are. Be sure of your salvation. Be sure of your testimony.

So why shouldn’t we pray memorized, rote, scripted prayers?

Memorized prayers such as Hail Mary, and what we know as “The Lord’s Prayer” are NOT what we are commanded to pray as Christians.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Matthew 6:7

Repetitions and long winded praying just to be saying some words does not touch God’s heart. For repetitions do not come from our heart. They are simply words we have committed to memory. God is our father. He wants us to talk to him as we would to our earthly father. The Lord’s Prayer was given to us as an example of how to pray.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13

Jesus’ prayer to his father shows us that:

1. We should give reverence to God! (He is holy!)
2. Honor his position and power with recognition.
3. Make your requests known.
4. Seek repentance for wrongs you have done. (Sins so easily trip us up, we have to repent.)
5. Handle temptations with respect. (Ask God to take them because you respect the power they can have over your flesh!)

Take a look at this image I have put together to better illustrate what I mean:
(If you can’t see the image here, try clicking this link to open in a new window. https://keepersofheartandhome.com/?p=860 )

So next time you pray, just speak from the heart! Give God honor, let him know what you need, and seek forgiveness and protection from temptation that may come your way. That’s all he wants.