[Quester]

I don't see how you can distinguish between a lyric and a formal prayer during worship services.

Can you express to your wife and/or children that you love them without resorting to a pre-written lyric ?

I must say that I have "a thing" about extempraneous prayers, since they often seem to be more directed AT other people than God.

I'm really speaking to the issue of private prayer (i.e. private interaction with God). Thus, ... no other people to impress.

[RobbyS]

There is no reason why one cannot do both. Typical Catholic devotions do this. Kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament, one just lets his thoughts flow. Once upon a time, before the Vatican II reforms, the communion service in a Catholic Church was characterized by a LONG period of quiet and private reflection on the com ing of the Lord. Nowaday the choir won't shut up, at least until they take communion themselves.