I agree, intent is the purpose of prayer. I do not understand the Rosary portion. My intent is not to offend; but this seems counter to the instruction given in Matthew, in that it is a repetition, and not a soul-searching request to God. That is why I prefaced my post with the word 'Consider'.
If that is so, why did Our Lord repeat the same prayer in the garden the night before His Passion and Death?
This is a devotional thread. You might want to ask the questions on a discussion thread, where you will get more response. Religious Moderator asked us to treat devotional threads that are marked devotional like being at church.
The Rosary repetitions are not meaningless rote, they are devotional, and the Rosary also is about reflecting and meditating on the various Mysteries, and the fruit of each Mystery. For example, traditionally on Monday one says the Joyful Mysteries; the first being the Annunciation-
The angel said to Mary, "You shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name of Jesus. And he will be called Son of the Most High." Luke 1:31-32
The second is the Visitation, then the Birth of Jesus, the Presentation (in the Temple), and Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple. The respective Fruits being Humility, Love of Neighbor, Poverty, Obedience, and Joy in finding Jesus.
What a wonderful way to pray :)
Revelation 4:8 (New International Version)
8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
Vain repetitions?
No one else on the park and ride bus route knows what I'm doing for that 30 minutes. Most people sleep anyway.
In the Garden at Gethsemane, when Jesus repeatedly prayed the same prayer, was He giving a bad example?
Jay, do you have a link of what you sent me this morning from Bishop Sheen?
He has a beautiful way of stating it.
Good. This sentence is the only meaningful part of your post. Admitting that you have a problem is always the first step in rectifying the problem.
The Rosary is not "repetition". It is a meditation on (some of) the significant events in the life of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Rather than persisting in your admitted lack of understanding, I suggest a bit of research on what the Rosary really is. Start here
If, after you clear up your lack of understanding, the Rosary still doesn't appeal to you, fine. There are myriad forms of prayer; no doubt you will find one which deepens your relationship with The Lord, and guides you on your path to sanctification.