Better Way Of Prayer

[Byzantine]

Is it better to say a prayer known to be powerful that you don't really like, or to say a prayer that you like but isn't as proven? Does it make a difference if you'd be united in spirit with others in the first case, but not so much in the second?

Should this have gone in the debate table?

[LouisvilleFan]

I'll say go with the prayer you like. Besides, the ultimate prayer is the Mass, and I'm sure you're praying that one at least once a week.

[Basilisa Marie]

Generally speaking, I think it's good thing to engage in a variety of prayers and prayer styles (i.e. tradition short written prayers, spontaneous improvised prayers, song, etc). If it's a specific situation, I think it depends on what you're talking about. It's obviously better to say the Our Father at mass along with everyone else at the proper time (rather than making up something yourself), and silent improvised prayers can be great before and after mass. But if you're talking about praying on your own, I'd say go with the one you like. People like exorcists can attest to the power of certain specific prayers...but I think part of the reason why the specific prayers are so powerful is because those prayers occupy a certain place in the Church's history and culture, and inspire a particular disposition in the one who's doing the praying. For example, I can say the Creed in English or Latin. If I say it in English, I'm more aware of my connection to my local community, and can better meditate on the meaning of the words. But if I say it in Latin, I'm more focused on my connection to the universal Church, now and through history. One isn't inherently "better" than another, but they have different connotations for me, and inspire different effects in my self while I pray.

Not sure if any of that is helpful in the slightest...but there ya go.

[beatitude]

Byz, I think this is a very unhelpful way to think about prayer. Talking about 'powerful prayers' and 'less powerful prayers' makes them sound like magic spells, as though you're going to get a certain result just because you've used a special combination of words. That's superstition. Prayer is about love and it is very simple. To paraphrase St Teresa, it is spending time with a dear friend whom we know loves us. Do you worry about what to say to your best friends? It should be no different for Jesus - in fact, with him you should be able to be as natural and as at home as is humanly possible. We are drawn closer to others when we allow this to be happen; we become more conscious of our community and the God in whom that community has its being.

[Byzantine]

[quote name='beatitude' timestamp='1351358110' post='2498583']
Byz, I think this is a very unhelpful way to think about prayer. Talking about 'powerful prayers' and 'less powerful prayers' makes them sound like magic spells, as though you're going to get a certain result just because you've used a special combination of words. That's superstition. Prayer is about love and it is very simple. To paraphrase St Teresa, it is spending time with a dear friend whom we know loves us. Do you worry about what to say to your best friends? It should be no different for Jesus - in fact, with him you should be able to be as natural and as at home as is humanly possible. We are drawn closer to others when we allow this to be happen; we become more conscious of our community and the God in whom that community has its being.
[/quote]

Yeah... But, well, you know, the Rosary's supposed to be so efficacious (right word?)... Thanks!