The Sinner’s Prayer?

This is what most Pastors have unsaved people recite; a prayer admitting they are a sinner. Also for them to trust in the atonement of Jesus Christ to receive salvation. Is this all it takes to be saved, merely reciting some words? What if the person has no idea why they are saying certain words? Is a sinner's prayer even Biblical or just a tradition that we never question but simply trust in? Hopefully this episode will provide some insight.