'heathen' is also translated as 'pagans', or 'Gentiles', that is, people who do not know or understand God.
Jesus commended the aggrieved widow because of her persistence -
Luke 18:1-5
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me
KJV
At the very throne of God in heaven the book of Revelation paints this scene -
Rev 4:8-11
8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
"Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,
who was, and is, and is to come."
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
(from New International Version)
Conclusion
Therefore if you are concerned that your prayer of thanks before your meal was very much the same as hundreds of other prayers at this time, you need be anxious no longer. You are praying with understanding, and you mean what you are saying, you are not guilty of vain repetitions.
created 22oct06