(I) Preparing Mentally
•Strive to keep Allah at the fore of one's mind the whole night long.
•All the worships done should be recited in the state of being completely awake, aware, conscious, and with a live heart. If one feels that one will not be able to concentrate then start reciting from now "We are from Allah and towards Him is our return." (Holy Quran, 2:156) for it is considered as a tragedy if one cannot in this night receive the divine grace in supplications. "Their prayer ascends upwards and reaches Allah, their words are accepted, and Allah loves to listen to their prayers the way a mother likes her own child."
Is not it shameful that the prayers which ascend upwards should be recited from the tip of the tongue, while the heart and soul remain occupied in worldly affairs?
Many a times, one feels that one cannot 'properly' perform certain worship and so decided to forgo it. One should not listen to this temptation, and instead one should perform it and more, for acceptance lies in the Hand of the Mercy of Allah.
(II) Preparing Physically
•For worshipping in this night a suitable place, dress, and perfume should be arranged in advance (comfortable dress which does not distract us).
•Paying alms during this night - to the people who really deserve financial support.
•Follow the translation of the supplications in order to understand what you are reciting for desire is only got when one knows what one is reciting.
(III) Preparing Spiritually
•Increase ones eagerness for receiving the promised bounties and blessings.
•Select worships and deeds which are more in harmony with one's mood.
•When one stands for prayer, or any other worship, to briefly spare a moment to think about the wisdom of that action/its meaning etc.
•Resorting (Tawassul) to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) - With persistence, supplicating in a polite and soft manner, with words and content arousing their sympathies, should beseech them for bestowing upon us the grace of being vigilant during this night.
Then one should cry: "O' Thou are the most compassionate, and Thou Who are the shelter of unsheltered ones!" "Where is Your vast blessing? Where is Your infinite forgiveness? Where are Your love and benevolence?" Ask for forgiveness of past sins in the most appealing manner with a promise to try never to return to the sins again - a TAWBA in every sense of the word Present ones requests before the Almighty Allah (SWT) with full hope that they will be answered.
Prophet Mohammad (saw) when asked what one should invoke Allah (SWT) during these nights, said: "Ask for your safety (here and in the hereafter)".