Question & Answer

                                  Is it better to say formula or spontaneous prayers?

                                 Prayer is raising our hearts and minds to God and any form of prayer is key to maintaining a strong relationship with God.
                                 Formula prayers are memorized prayers someone has written, while spontaneous prayers are vocalizations that come from the heart.  Both types of prayer have the same goals --- to praise God, ask for his help, to thank him, and reflect on his goodness.
                                 When young, Catholics are often taught formula prayers, such as the "Our Father", "Apostles Creed", and "Hail Mary", to help us learn about God and to develop the habit of speaking with him.  Then, as we grow in our faith, praying spontaneously from the heart becomes another, more personal option.  It is possible, and even fruitful, to combine both forms in our communication with God.
                                 For example, spontaneous prayer during Eucharistic Adoration is made richer by enjoying the silence and presence of God.  In turn, beginning Adoration with the Rosary --- a formula prayer --- can lay the groundwork for a higher level of spontaneous prayer.