Is this a vow/promise?

[PraiseChrist]

If someone were to say in prayer that they would pray a certain prayer everyday, are they bound to do so?
Ex: (prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary) “My Mother, I will pray [prayer] every day for my family for your intercessions. Amen”

Is this a vow/promise? Or is there any obligation?

Thank you,

Andrew

 

[Don_Ruggero]

If someone were to say in prayer that they would pray a certain prayer everyday, are they bound to do so?
Ex: (prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary) “My Mother, I will pray [prayer] every day for my family for your intercessions. Amen”

Is this a vow/promise? Or is there any obligation?

Thank you,

Andrew

One cannot, in point of fact, make a vow to the Blessed Virgin. Theologically, a vow is made to God and involves the virtue of religion.

From what you write, it is difficult to say whether you intended a promise or were expressing an intention or even just an aspiration. Given that you do not expressly say “promise,” my assessment would be that it is not a promise.

It is not a desirable thing to lightly say things that are declarative and of course one should never lightly make a promise or vow – instead, it is better to ask Our Lady to help you to pray daily for your family or to daily confide them to her intercession.

 

[AdamP88]

I’m a member of the Pioneer Association. We promise to abstain from alcohol and to say the pioneer prayer every day. The idea is to abstain as a prayer for those who are addicted to alcohol. I’ve often forgotten my prayer. If you made a promise and forgot you can always pick it up again later. Don’t worry.

 

[LiamQ]

That seems like a resolution to me, albeit one that wasn’t prudently worded.

Say what you mean and mean what you say.