We should understand that one does not exclude the other.
Jesus said in Matthew 6: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
The definition of meditation is to focus one’s mind for a period of time in silence or with the aid of chanting prayer, for religious or spiritual purposes, or as a method of relaxation.
Prayer should include meditation, and meditation should include prayer. One does not exclude the other.
One more thing that I want to add here is that we must understand who we are addressing. We are addressing God. You are not talking to your buddy from college at the bar.
You are addressing God. The Being that created the universe out of Himself.
Respectful and humble should be your approach.
With love, yours truly, Cristian.