When we daven the Shmoneh Esrei, that silent 19-blessing meditation/prayer composed by our Sages and prophets, we are supposed to have kavana (intentionality). This word comes from the word keevun, direction. The Shulchan Aruch explains that kavana in the Shmoneh Esrei means to understand the words and to 'direct' them into your heart (at least for the first blessing), and to "think as if the Shechina (G-d's indwelling presence) is opposite you (for every blessing)."
I always thought "O.K. Here we go. The Shechina is there. The Shechina is there. Can't you feel Her? Make pretend real hard." Like the Rebbe Menachem Schneerson of Lubavitch, may he be remembered for a blessing, said: "Where your thoughts are, you are. All of you." If I project my thoughts like I'm standing opposite Her, maybe I'll really be there. You know, like "If you build it, they will come…" (Field of Dreams).
But Check out this Zohar, brought to our attention by one of my favorite books, Yesod V'shoresh Ha'avoda: "When one looks at the Shechina when one prays - and how is it possible to look at the Shechina? Rather, one should know that for sure the Shechina stands there." "Whoa!" That was my first reaction. Then I circled the phrase, underlined it and memorized it. No more pretending. No "as if." The Shechina is there, no matter what I think or feel.
I heard this past Shabbas that a certain Rabbi used to button his top collar and straighten his tie before he entered his house after work. Our sages teach that the Shechina rests upon a house in the merit of one's wife. This rabbi was fixing himself up to look nice for the Shechina . . . and his wife. Of course, it takes internal "straightening up" to prepare for the Shechina, but the heart can be pulled after the actions. Besides, I'm sure his wife appreciated the respect. I bless us all, and all our holy sisters and bothers of Israel, and the whole world, that we should always feel Hashem's presence in every place we go, and in every thing we do, and that this knowledge should bring us supreme joy.