The Laws of Prayer (The morning services) (23)

1. When standing to begin the Amidah, one should move forward three steps. According to the letter of the law it is unnecessary to take three steps back, but the custom is to do so. (Shulchan Aruch and Mishne Berurah 95)

2. When praying one should bow one’s head slightly, so that one’s eyes are looking downwards towards the earth, and imagine that he is standing in the holy temple, and in his heart he should pray towards heaven. (ibid)