How should one mentally prepare for Shemoneh Esrei?

A person who is davening Shemoneh Esrei must keep two things in mind: the meaning of the words and the awareness that he is standing before the Shechinah. According to some Achronim, if one is not conscious of standing before the Shechinah, it is as if he did not daven and he must daven again. Before starting Shemoneh Esrei, a person must focus on the following: 1) If he were standing before a human king, he would be careful to arrange his thoughts and words properly. Certainly, then, he must be prepared and make an effort not to let his mind wander in front of the King of the world, who knows the thoughts of man. 2) Hashem is all-powerful and great, whereas man is limited and lowly. 3) Thoughts of holiness should be in one’s mind (as opposed to thoughts of pleasure and gashmius).

סצ"ה ס"א ס"ק א' ביאורים ומוספים דרשו 2

At what age should children be brought to shul?

Children below the age of chinuch should not be brought to shul. Their boisterous behavior disturbs the sanctity of the shul and the concentration of those who come to daven. In addition, they become used to acting in a disrespectful manner there, and this habit may continue when they become older. Once they reach the age of chinuch, however, it is a mitzvah for them to come to shul to learn proper shul behavior. They should be taught to answer Amen, Kaddish and Kedushah. It is forbidden for a parent to kiss his young children in shul. Refraining from kissing and showing excessive affection to one’s children will make it clear that the greatest love that a person should have is for Hakodosh Boruch Hu. The poskim disagree about whether it is also forbidden to kiss one’s adult children.

ס"א ס"ק ג' ביאורים ומוספים דרשו 9

What is the proper perspective for tefilla?

A person must daven in a pleading tone, like a poor man who comes knocking at doors to request alms. Aside from the tone a person uses to daven, he must also daven with the attitude that he is coming to the King to ask for what he needs and not just to satisfy his obligation to daven. According to some Achronim, if one does not have this proper mindset, his tefillah is invalid. Although the halacha does not follow this view, it underscores the importance of having a proper perspective when davening. A person who has a specific need should be careful not to focus only on the brocha that is relevant to that need; he should have kavanah for the entire davening. Otherwise, he may be understood to be concerned only about that need and not the many other necessities that tefillah addresses.

ס"ג ס"ק ח' ביה"ל ד"ה יתפלל ביאורים ומוספים דרשו 18

• It is forbidden to yawn or belch during Shemoneh Esrei. If one feels compelled to yawn, he must cover his mouth for the duration of the yawn.

• Spitting is forbidden during Shemoneh Esrei. If one feels the need to remove saliva that gathers in his mouth, he should expel it into a garment in such a way that the saliva will not be visible. If it is customary in the region for people to wear a bib-like garment, some Achronim allow a person to spit into the bib even if saliva is visible.

• In earlier times, it was common for glasses to slip off the face. One who is concerned that his glasses could fall off during the bowing in Shemoneh Esrei must fasten them in place.

• What are the four levels of intoxication?

• Can a person daven after drinking?

• Can an intoxicated person recite brochos?