Matthew 6:7-8
In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
The scriptures are replete with beautiful prayers and songs to God. For centuries, many of the phrases and entire passages have been incorporated into the liturgical celebrations. In other areas of prayer within the services, the language is so much better written that what most of us can express. Many believe that the Mass is the highest form of prayer. Yet for many, it becomes rote, and even stale. We just mouth the words of the creed, our statement of believe, yet don't even comprehend what we're saying. These eloquent prayers and petitions leave our tongue with no heart behind them. Just babble.
I recently read a story about an archbishop who was gravely ill. He spoke about this time in his life when he believed that death was at his door. With his elderly parents by his bed he prayed. "Not sophisticated pulpit prayers, but pleas for help," he said. He prayed, "I'm scared, I don't know what's happening to me, help me."
Both the deeply personal prayers from our heart, and those we pray at Mass have equal importance. God knows what we need before we ask or even imagine. Next time you're at church praying, really listen and earnestly offer the words you say up to the Lord and to the community. Your church experience, and your worship to God will be better for it.
