Why Do Catholics Pray Long And Repetitious Prayers?

a Catholic praying the holy rosary — Image from Canva Pro

Are Catholics guilty of what Jesus warned us about in regard to prayer? When Catholics pray the Holy Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet, are they babbling empty words like the pagans did?

“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.” – Matthew 6:7 (NRSVCE)

According to the above Bible verse that is often quoted to warn people against praying long prayers, what we should avoid are prayers with “empty phrases.”

When Catholics pray the rosary, they are not babbling empty words. They are using words that can be found in the Bible, such as the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father), which was taught by Jesus Himself. Even when praying the Hail Mary, Catholics use the words spoken by the Archangel Gabriel and Elizabeth.

On another level, even when we consider that these words are repeated over and over again, they are not without meaning.

Let us consider the rosary with its various mysteries. These mysteries reflect the important events in the life of Jesus. While uttering the prayers, a Catholic reflects upon these mysteries and draws one’s heart and attention to God.

Two things, therefore, make a significant difference: the meaning of the words contained in these prayers, and the proper disposition of the heart and soul of the one praying.

What Long Prayers Can Do

Babbling empty words and spending a long time in prayer are two different things. In a way, the first one can be compared to those reciting magical spells and incantations, trying to bring about a powerful effect through such words. On the other hand, spending a long time in prayer with a proper disposition of the heart is merely imitating what Jesus Himself has done.

“In those days he departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.” – Luke 6:12 NABRE

If we’re talking about long prayers, Jesus certainly prayed that when he spent the entire night in prayer to God.

For Catholics, prayer is a conversation with the Father. It is not only asking for something, but giving thanks, praising God and talking to Him as children would talk to their parents who loved them.

What parent wouldn’t want their children to spend more time with them?

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NABRE

Is There a Value to Repetitive Prayers?

Some people may find certain Catholic prayers and devotions repetitive. Aside from the Holy Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, there are countless novenas that need to be said for a specific number of consecutive days i.e. nine days.

The explanation about having a new meaning and reflection each time a prayer is said was already given above. Praying the Our Father may sound like saying the same words, but the deeper meaning is different each time the prayer is uttered. There could be a new realization or wisdom imparted from above. There could also be an insight from the person’s personal experience, struggles or triumphs.

It is not very different from the sunset we witness each day. It may seem like the same sun, but each sunset is different and glorious in its own way.

If we were not meant to pray repetitive prayers, why did Jesus teach us the Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer)? This prayer then was meant to be uttered not just once but many times.

Repeating our prayers also has the effect of continuously reminding us and strengthening in us the truths about our faith.

It reminds us of God’s power and our humble needs. It teaches us to wait for Him and to trust His timing for answering our prayers.

Praying from the Heart

Praying from the heart doesn’t mean that we can no longer utter the same words. Do we not say “I Love You” over and over again to those who mean the most to us?

To a person listening to such expressions of affection, it isn’t tiresome to hear those words again and again. What’s wrong is when the person saying them isn’t sincere.

But if they are said with a deep affection and the intention of expressing one’s true feelings, such words would never fail in making the other person glad.

Prayer is that deep conversation that establishes and strengthens our bond with God, whom we adore and love. We must never make it an occasion to babble empty words. On the other hand, we should seize the opportunity to be in God’s very presence, drawing our hearts close to Him and letting Him transform us in holiness and love.

“My little children, your hearts are small, but prayer stretches them and makes them capable of loving God.” – St. John Vianney

Do Catholics worship Mary and the saints? Read the answer plus other questions and answers about the Catholic faith. See Jocelyn Soriano’s book Defending My Catholic Faith.

“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NABRE)