Repetitive Prayer

[Merrick]

I have been engaging in repetitive prayer forms, such as the Rosary, since before I became an Episcopalian and find these prayers very effective.

I read the Desert Fathers and Mothers sometimes recommended repeating a phrase from scripture repeatedly throughout the day as a contemplative practice.

Since I am considering Catholicism, I wanted to ask about this practice. I tend to repeat the scriptural phrase, “I am that I am,” as I go throughout the day, washing dishes and so on as a meditation on one of the ways in which God revealed Himself. Would this be an appropriate practice for a Catholic?

 

[bzkoss236]

As long as it helps you focus on God, then GREAT! Repeating scripture is also good for memorizing it. So, double win!

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I have been engaging in repetitive prayer forms, such as the Rosary, since before I became an Episcopalian and find these prayers very effective.

I read the Desert Fathers and Mothers sometimes recommended repeating a phrase from scripture repeatedly throughout the day as a contemplative practice.

Since I am considering Catholicism, I wanted to ask about this practice. I tend to repeat the scriptural phrase, “I am that I am,” as I go throughout the day, washing dishes and so on as a meditation on one of the ways in which God revealed Himself. Would this be an appropriate practice for a Catholic?

Yes, this is what the desert Fathers like Abba Isaac taught, of which St. John Cassian wrote about.

A short word or phase repeated to help quiet the thoughts down and keep our selves centered on God dwelling within, is very much part of Catholic tradition.

The Orthodox use the Jesus Prayer, which I often use.

“Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

Jim