Thanks to the resources of Al-Islam.org and the efforts of many here on SC, I pray five times a day, every day, to the best of my ability. As I was initially reading pamphlets that did not come from Shia sources, I am relearning certain parts of my prayer (qunut, the correct words for certain segments of the prayer). My first question is whether or not I can offer prayers at different times in addition to my five dailies. An example of this would be to offer four rakah between Dhur and Asr for the sake of practicing, so that my obligatory prayers would be better in pronunciation, saying the correct phrases, etc.
My second question is regarding supplication. I can offer a supplication at any point in the day, not just after the obligatory prayers & these do not have to be in a specific posture or be made in Arabic, yes? As a Christian, I spent a lot of time just "talking to God ((سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى))" about my concerns, fears, and dreams from when I was driving or riding in a car, working on the computer, or even working in the metal shop. I ask because I need to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) and I feel like I don't "talk" to Him (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) enough right now.
Any answers will be appreciated, thank you in advance.