Among the ways to ensure the heart is present during the prayer are the following:
1 – Seeking refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed.
2 – Reflecting on the Qur’anic recitation and the various remembrances uttered in the prayer.
3 – Calling to mind the majesty of Allah and realizing that the worshipper is conversing with Him while facing Him.
4 – Recognizing one’s weakness and poverty when bowing and prostrating before Allah’s greatness and splendour.
5 – Keeping one’s gaze fixed on the place of prostration, for when the eye wanders the heart follows.
6 – Refraining from entering the prayer while the mind is distracted by a desire to eat or drink, or by the need to relieve oneself of either of the two impurities.

The majority of scholars hold that the prayer remains valid and discharges the obligation even if intrusive thoughts predominate, though its reward and merit are thereby diminished.