How can I be inspired to pray with khushu?

Khushu (خشوع) is best translated as attentive humility.

It's an activity of the heart with which one becomes more present, serious and subdued. In line with khushu, prayer must be performed in an unhurried and tranquil manner with presence of heart and mind.

Try not to be fixated on focus but let it flow naturally

A key note to remember is attempting to focus and have khushu often takes us away from focusing. Continue to do your prayers and use some of these techniques without fixating too much on developing focus.

Why are we perfecting everything else except our prayers?

Another factor to keep in mind is how much we pride ourselves on doing our tasks and hobbies with perfection and finesse, from fitness routines to skincare rituals. However, we somehow neglect to do our prayers, our most important duty, with the same attention. It is time to revisit and revamp our prayers.

Meeting Allah swt

Remember you pray because Allah swt wants to meet you. Every prayer is supposed to be transformative. If this is not happening then it means we are simply going through motions.

Prayer will keep you away from evil outward behavior as well as inward. Examples of transformation include a shining face, being filled with energy and positivity.

Understanding & Recitation

Understanding verses and dua being read is another way to gain khushu. Connecting to Allah through verses (Understand Surat Fatiha and memorize some Quran along with their meanings) and ponder the verses as you recite them. Using a simple word for word translation/tafsir for the Quran to learn the meaning of the suwar will allow you to achieve this.

Practice Correct, Beautiful Recitation

Focusing on reciting with completely correct pronunciation (no major mistakes) as well as tajweed (optional, if you have studied it) will also greatly enhance your focus and general prayer experience.

Focus on posture

Some techniques for achieving khushu in prayers include adding focus, knowledge and understanding. A specific technique for achieving khushu is developing focus through stillness and perfect posture within prayers.

Try to be as still as possible with excellent posture when praying, this will bring about focus. It has been said that one could tell that Rasul was reciting during prayer merely because there was some slight movement in his beard.

Glory of sujud

We are privileged to be invited to meet with Allah swt and prostrate (make sujud) to Him. Our body/souls are inclined to prostrate to Allah swt. We are given this privilege several times per day at a minimum. With regard to prostration, the Jewish community have only 1 time of the year when they can make sujud and it is their climax.