Aren't Sacramental Prayers Boring & Impersonal?

Since it's Confirmation and First Holy Communion season, and always Baptism season, let's talk about sacramental prayers. Have you ever wondered why they say the same things to each person, except for the name change? Did it ever annoy you and come across as impersonal, cold and mundane? Well, I've had those thoughts—that's for sure. Especially in my world of youth ministry, I see many people blessed by spontaneous, straight-from-the-Holy Spirit prayers. So, why don't the Catholic priests try to "spice it up" and let the Spirit flow through spontaneous sacramental prayers?

I found my answer in the most unusual of places. I was honored two years ago to be asked by a younger cousin if I would be her "godmother". She goes to a large, non-denominational church. While attending the baptism service, I was at first pleased to hear the pastors using spontaneous prayer for each individual. Some were long and very eloquently said. However, some were not. The pastors didn't know every person and what "flowed from the Spirit" didn't always come across as beautiful, especially after about 30 baptisms. For one teenager, their baptismal prayer included, "That they may be blessed with straight-A's and won't get into drugs". What if this kid isn't blessed with strong intelligence or does get caught up into drugs? That was his baptismal prayer! For another teen, "May God grant you the ability to be a holy, strong husband and father." But what if God doesn't call this young man to marriage?

Just before my 11-year-old cousin's baptism was the baptism of a girl about the same age. The pastor knew her well and that her birthday was near. Therefore, this young woman's baptismal prayer/blessing included a loud chanting of "I love you" from the entire congregation 13 times since that was her new age. When it was my cousin's turn, she got a simple, "May God bless and keep you close to his heart" type of prayer – honestly, it was forgettable. Sorry, Becky. But, my heart was crushed for my cousin. Why didn't she get a cool prayer that took time or included the crowd? Although I'm sure the pastor didn't intend any "favoritism", or to "box-in" those teenagers, that is certainly how it came across.

It was strange, but this was the first time I appreciated the simple, seemingly impersonal or boring prayers of our Church. In something as beautiful and grace-filled as the sacraments, our Church has helped us so that we are not focused on the priest's poetic words to individuals. Instead, we focus on the God's power and grace being made visible through oils, water, and crosses. We can focus on what God is doing, not the priest (or his eloquence, or lack thereof). We use the best, direct, most powerful prayers because every person deserves just that. The Holy Spirit can work through the same prayer used multiple times just as much as spontaneous prayer. And, we are not part of an impersonal church – Reconciliation is very personal, saying each and every name at Confirmation is personal, and each visit to receive the Eucharist is personal. Yet, our church never forgets that we are also a community, seeking unity with one another.

Personally, we can pray in our own words, in our heart, while our loved one is receiving a sacrament, and during our own homes or personal prayer time. Even priests use spontaneous prayer in Mass now and again. But, don't fear that you always need to. The Church's prayers say everything they should – nothing less, nothing more. So, during the next sacrament that you attend, consider the honor and beauty of the simple, strong and powerful prayers of our Church – a Church who loves each of us just as much as the other and even proves this in the sacraments. Praise God for the rockin' wisdom of our Church!