“After steadying your mind, think Who He is, to Whom you address in prayer, then recollect who you are; who it is who is about to start this invocation to Him in prayer. Do this in such a way as to awaken in your heart a feeling of humility and reverent awe that you are standing in the presence of God. All preparation for prayer consists in this reverent standing in the presence of God.”
(St Theophan the Recluse on Preparation for Prayer)