So Kylo Ren’s prayer basically would replace where Hux’s speech and the Hosnian destruction is in the theatrical, right? That actually makes sense. I think fundamentally having this scene gives the audience some time to reflect on Rey’s decision.
By taking the First Order stuff out, maybe the Takodana stuff did feel rushed, but by inserting that moment there in its place, it gets back some breathing room. I also like the idea that he is praying before battle, basically.