Having grown up Protestant, one of my biggest problems with it is that its structure leads to a very shallow knowledge of its faith by its members. I know a great many who distinguish themselves as “Bible believers”, and who could recite many a passage, but do not dwell on the messages contained therein.
That’s one of the great effects of standardized prayers such as the Rosary, the Lord’s Prayer, etc. So many have castigated them as merely repetition without meaning, but in actuality, one cannot help but to reflect on their depth of meaning as one learns their use and utility over time.
Back to being a “Bible Believer”, I never know whether to be shocked or amused when I hear that used as opposition to Catholicism. As you said NYer, just where do they think their Bible came from?
For the average catholic, praying the rosary is rote prayer - if and when they do it. It took a minor catastrophe to jolt me into praying the Rosary on a daily basis; it is now my constant companion.
While preparing 11th graders for the Sacrament of Confirmation, I introduced them to meditative and contemplative prayer. They truly enjoyed that. Personally, I try to start my day with the Prayers of Safro (Morning) of the Maronite Divine Office. These are so beautiful!