Psychologists tells us that investing in "quality time" is the best way to solidify a relationship. Our Rabbis agree, that investing in "quality time" is the best way to also build a relationship with HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
Our shul tries to create this atmosphere each Shabbos morning where one can put aside outside distractions in order to focus on HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Here are some thoughts to consider for improving the quality of our time while in shul:
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim Siman 1 Sif 4) explains that one must always picture to himself that he is standing before Hashem and that one should always picture the D'vine Name before his eyes. Some shuls place a phrase on the wall to remind people not to engage in idle conversation during davening and to grow in Yiras Shamayim.
Rabbi Elie Munk writes in the introduction to his sefer The World of Prayer: "The hour of prayer is the climax of the day; all other hours are merely preliminary to it. Prayer is for the soul, what food is to the body. The blessing of one prayer lasts until the next, just as the strength gained from one meal lasts till the one after".
Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan in his sefer "Jewish Meditation" recommends that everyone should take five minutes before davening to meditate so that one can begin davening with the proper kavannah.