God doesn't want religious duty. He doesn't want a distracted, half-hearted, 'Fine, I'll read a chapter. . . now are You happy?' attitude. God wants His word to be a delight to us, so much that we meditate on it day and night.
Chanting is a way of getting in touch with yourself. It's an opening of the heart and letting go of the mind and thoughts. It deepens the channel of grace, and it's a way of being present in the moment.