Rituals and vain repetition

[nickggeog]

The emphasis here is on VAIN repetition…not repetition itself. The Bible itself prescribes some prayers that involve repetition. Look at Psalms 136, which is a litany (a prayer with a recurring refrain) meant to be sung in the Jewish Temple. In the psalm the refrain is “His mercy endures forever.” Sometimes in Psalms 136 the refrain starts before a sentence is finished, meaning it is more repetitious than the rosary, though this prayer was written directly under the inspiration of God.

 

[MacQ]

The emphasis here is on VAIN repetition…not repetition itself. The Bible itself prescribes some prayers that involve repetition. Look at Psalms 136, which is a litany (a prayer with a recurring refrain) meant to be sung in the Jewish Temple. In the psalm the refrain is “His mercy endures forever.” Sometimes in Psalms 136 the refrain starts before a sentence is finished, meaning it is more repetitious than the rosary, though this prayer was written directly under the inspiration of God.

Indeed. I think the bottom line is that it only APPEARS to be vain to the OP’s dad.
Because he doesn’t understand it.

 

[dronald]

There’s nothing wrong with repetition. I don’t believe Jesus said, “Don’t repeat things.” He said vain repetition, thinking that saying the same thing over and over somehow enhances your prayer. It doesn’t.