Kabbalistic methods for expelling extraneous thoughts, approaching Hashem in prayer, and expectations following successful prayer. 

We learn further about under what conditions it is permissible to spit during prayer (something that is very uncommon today) and we also learn about the essential act of prayer and what (mindset) intentions we need to have.

The Halacha requires us to only hold those items needed for a mitzvah purpose such as a siddur and lulav (at the right time) during prayer so that we not disturb our concentration.

Praying in The Presence of Idols and How we Should Stand During Prayers - we do everything we can that helps our concentration. We stand in awe and trepidation with our eyes looking down and our hearts in the Holy Temple as we talk to HaShem.

The preference is to stand unsupported whilst davenning. If this is not possible then it is acceptable to pray seated or even laying down when sick.

The Halacha teaches us the direction we should face to pray and the ideal positioning of the Aron Kodesh in shul. Some face directly East towards Israel, and some South East if they are North Easterly to it.

The Shulchan Aruch requires us to pause for a few seconds before we pray to consider before Whom we are praying. Doing this will change the very nature of our prayers.

There is a mitzvah to ensure that our hands are clean for prayer as well ideally for saying Shema, learning Torah, and making brochos. Water is the preferred medium for cleanliness but in the absence of water, other abrasive materials can be used.

The Halacha places great importance on ensuring a clean body prior to prayer and even if that means missing davvening in an minyan - this would take precedence. Events are sometimes beyond ones control and we are instructed how to handle those eventualities.

There are objective and subjective standards we need to consider when preparing ourselves to stand before Hashem in prayer.