Why Use A Mantra?
Before we get into Mantra benefits, I should point out that repeating a prayer "paragraph" 50 - 100 or 200 times gives you the same benefits as meditating on 1 or several words.
There are several good reasons to use a mantra.
- A Mantra gives your mind an anchor point.
- A Mantra allows your mind to focus.
- A Mantra increases blood flow to the brain.
- The right Mantra may help elevate your mind and soul.
- A vocal Mantra helps block out distracting noise.
- By using "Chain Mantras**" you can control your soul ascension and focus it in different directions.
Chain Mantras ↟↟
The following is an example ONLY of how Chain Mantras work.
I am substituting the actual list of Mantras with letters from the "Latin Alphabet" for example purposes only.
While there are specific Chain Mantras you can use, the best way to find the ones that are right for you is to say different mantras and then let your mind and soul "tell" you that this is your specific mantra. Think of it like opening a Safe.
Once you find your group of Chain Mantras, then you need to says tham until your mind tells you which one go in "what" order, and this is called recalibration.
You should practice this at least once a year in case you have ascended slightly and you need to recalibrate your energy to your new level.
I check mine 2 or 3 times a year.
For example, I have been "test" saying this "Peace Mantra"
since around 1987 and I got nothing, then a few years ago, it suddenly resonated with me so strongly, that I can do a whole meditation session just saying this mantra on its own.
But usually I include this as part of my repertoire.
How they work?
Chain Mantras** work like this, imagine your mantra is the letter "A" and you want to get to the letter D, you would structure your Mantra list to A+B+C+D.
But if you wanted to get to another "level" such as level "M", you may be able to short cut and just do A+B+C+D+G+M.
The secret is knowing the available paths you can travel, the applicable mantra and when to start the next sequence.
In other words, some of your mantras are designed to "ground" you while others have a different purpose.
Grounding may include controlling your "Monkey Mind". 
Question Du Jour
How many mantras you you say / think / visualize simultaneously?
Both Prayer And Mantras
To get the most benefits from either Prayer or Mantras, you need to say them slowly and absolutely and totally focus on each word.
You should visualize each letter being slowly written either as white fire on a background of black fire or as black fire on a background of white fire.
Be
I was taught, "Do not say the word and Do not think the word - BE the word".
Chanting Benefits ↟↟
What are the benefits of Chanting?
Click this "Chanting Benefits"
link to find out.