How to Deepen Your Prayer: 4 Proven Tips from Jewish Wisdom

In his book "Nafshi B'she'elati" Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi offers several practical tips to help us increase kavanah (concentration and intention) during prayer:

1. Consistency in both time and place

Establishing a fixed time and a designated, comfortable place for prayer greatly enhances one’s ability to concentrate. A familiar and peaceful environment creates mental readiness and spiritual focus.

2. Learning a short piece of Mussar (ethical teachings) before praying

Studying a brief passage from Mussar literature before prayer helps align the heart and mind, preparing the soul for a more meaningful connection with God.

3. Avoid harboring resentment or grudges against others

Most distractions during prayer stem from unresolved interpersonal tensions. To prevent this, it is strongly advised not to hold any grievance toward another Jew, especially during the time of prayer.

4. Pray from a siddur (prayer book)

Even when one feels spiritually uplifted and prefers to pray without a siddur, it is still recommended to close the eyes and concentrate deeply. Once the emotional intensity subsides, return to the structured words of the prayer book.

It is also preferred to hold the siddur in one’s hands rather than placing it on a stand or table, as physically holding it has been shown to deepen engagement and intention in prayer.