I didn’t grow up in a liturgical church, but I do not see any harm in praying or repeating scriptural writings. If you believe what you are reciting, and it’s Scriptural, it’s fine. However, reciting these things when you clearly don’t believe them, is, indeed, vain. I think Jesus was referring to hypocrites, when he spoke of vain repitions. I often pray Scripture. Is that a vain repetition? Read some of the prayers in the older versions of the Book of Common Prayer. They are beautiful AND Scriptural.
Reciting scripture (if it is scripture) is one thing. Mindlessly chanting/repeating it and/or man made reformulations is another matter.
First, I read the creed text. Although it expresses many scriptural truths, it is not scripture.
Second, Jesus commands not do this:
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:... (Matthew 6:7ff)
We are to engage the mind and spirit and formulate prayer "after this fashion". I was taught a simple mnemonic to aid in one's CONVERSATION with God: PRAY. Praise God, Receive Forgiveness, Ask, Yield to the guiding of His Spirit.
However, people repeat this prayer! Jesus just told us to use it as a model, not to repeat it.
Has language lost all its meaning?