But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Form and substance are two different things. Vain Repetition is mere form and not substance, but many take comfort in its manifestations such as religions and rituals for control or the community they offer but have not committed their lives to God.
6. ...Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Vanity is the service of doctrines other than God’s; the pursuit of doctrines created by men, to serve their interests but carry no weight with God. How many take comforts in the security and the protection of men, abandoning their trust in God, in everything except lip service.
They enjoy the world and seek the things of the world, including the praise of others, propelling them forward in their pretence or delusion of serving God. They extend prefabricated prayers and immerse in formalised rituals which include attending services in buildings, circling a rock, burning incense, or repeatedly bowing in front of a wall while serving themselves in all their actions.
They corral the flock and the prescribed cookie cutter meetings, teaching doctrines which reinforce the lies and control. They offer carnal rewards which are far from worshipping God; instead, they worship this kingdom on earth, the Beast.
To worship is to love and to love is to follow a doctrine. Those who love God follow his instructions and those who hate God follow vainly the doctrine of the world.
God is your guide.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.