Prayer And The Rosary

Christians view prayer as a most valuable provision of the Creator - a real gift to be highly prized. Prayer is a respectful speech to Almighty God. It should convey our innermost feelings and hearfelt thought. "Prayer should be an expression of one's friendship with God, "says the New Catholic Encyclopedia. Petitioning God should never become a meaningless routine, nor should we hold rigidly to some favorite set of memorized words. - Matthew 6:7, 8.

Does the Rosary contribute to such meaningful prayers? Jeannine observed that reciting "Hail Marys" on the Rosary "became unconsciously repetitious." Repeating the same words on the Rosary did not bring her closer to God. Said another former Catholic nun, Lydia: "I did not find anything instructive in reciting the Rosary. I would have preferred reading books on religion." Repetitious prayers serve no purpose, since God has promised: "Before they call, I will answer." (Isaiah 35:24, NAB; Matthew 6:7, 8, 32) Almighty God appreciates and answers petitions that come from an honest and sincere heart. The Rosary does not help a person to approach God with meaningful, heartfelt prayers. - Psalm 119:145; Hebrews 10:22.

Next time: How To Approach God