The Vorker Rebbe: Preparing For Prayer
The 2nd of Shevat is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Simcha Bunim Kalish of Otvotzk and Teveria, son of Rav Menachem Mendel of Vorka. (1907) Before prayer everyone should bind himself to his brothers who are on a lower level than he, and pray for mercy for them; and also join himself to a Torah Sage and Tzaddik who is greater than he, so that his prayer will be included in the prayer of the Tzaddik, which will lift it up.
And for this reason, every Jew is obligated before prayer to accept on himself the positive Mitzvah, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Ohel Yitzchak, Page 20, #46 – From Jewish Spiritual Practices by Yitzchak Buxbaum, page 194)