Canned prayers are not the Word, which is living and active and sharper that any double edged sword , piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
It’s small wonder that people would prefer the safety of religion and not being exposed to what the word which would reveal to the about what is in themselves.
If I were in relationship with another person, I would develop a far deeper relationship with them by talking WITH them, than AT them; by conversing with them than doing the equivalent of reciting poetry at or to them.
Monologues do not build relationships.
Thank you for your witness. I invite you to share even more of the details of your prayer life with us.
It is said that prayer is more about effecting the change in us because we cannot hope to change God. How do you put yourself into the proper frame of mind to more thoroughly communicate with God and prepare yourself to recognize His responses? I find the Rosary a very useful tool because it brings so many types or prayer together at once. We pray the "rote" prayers that are largely recitation of Scripture, we contemplate on the Sacred mysteries and we contemplate on those thoughts and distractions that keep forcing their way into our conscience. Do you have any similar practices?
Do your prayers include any rote prayers such as the Lord's prayer or prayers of blessings before meals and bed or before a surgery? Do you make any rote prayers in Church services, funerals, baptisms, weddings, or on behalf of the sick? Do you consider frequent reading and reflecting of the same passages and verses of Scripture to be rote prayer?
Does you prayer life involve any meditative or contemplative prayer such as putting yourself and your mind at the foot of the cross or in the Garden of Gethsemane?
No one person or denomination has a corner or perfect formula for prayer and no single formula works ubiquitously, but sharing with other Christians your personal experiences has an efficacious effect on the prayer life of others.
Peace be with you.