We took your argument seriously and respoonded to it. We addressed the argument you raised and pointed out that the text itself mentions "VAIN" repetitions and thinks that the repetitions will somehow cause our being heard. That was sort of the "negative" side of our response. Then I referred to Psalm 136 to show that repetitive prayer is found in the Bible.
All I look for in a conversation of this kind is that at least there be some acknowledging that the text you brought forward was able to do the task you gave it to do. There might be other ways to argue against the Rosary, but it seems that when somebody brings up the classic anti-Rosary text and it is addressed, possible even effectively, some kind of notice should be taken.
Speaking loosely: Say I have an idea and then go looking in the Bible for support for the idea. TO me that might be something like rationalization. It's not clearly the Bible that taught me, it's me looking in the Bible for confirmation of an idea I got elsewhere.
This impression is strengthened when I bring forth what I think is my "proof" from the Bible, and have it demolished, and respond by restating my notion in a way which suggest my hearers are lacking in some capacity.
So what do you think of the verse you cited in the light of Psalm 136?
Psalms is not a book of prayers to recite, although using versus or phrases as part of prayer or hymns is certainly a good thing to do.
In Psalms 136, yes, the book repeats the same line after each new verse; however, it is not the same as repeating the Hail Mary again and again and again.
Perhaps we see repetitious prayer as something different. I believe you're stating that Psalm 136 indicates repetitive prayer because it repeats the same line after each new verse.
For me, stating the SAME prayer, i.e....if I were to pray Psalms 136 over and over and over again, that, to me, is repetitive prayer. Stating the same thing over and over and over again.
I always end my prayer stating In Jesus Name....now just because I end each prayer with it, doesn't make it repetitive because my "ramblings" or thanks to God prior to are always different. And no one gets to The Father except through His Son.
I grew up stating the Lords Prayer in church. As much as I love the Lords Prayer, now when I look back, I was taught to pray repetitively. Everything said in church, except for the sermons, were the same thing over and over again! It wasn't until I started studying the Bible that I learned how I didn't know, but how I was taught about God and His word incorrectly.
Another problem I have with Hail Mary and ANY other prayers to saints, or anyone else besides God is that the Bible states we should only pray to Him.
I hope you understood my babbling, lol!!