What is the ruling on distraction and intrusive thoughts during prayer?

The questioner : The questioner says: I am often distracted during prayer, where I frequently mix up the recitation, but I recite everything in its proper place. Is that permissible? And what should be done to stop this?

The Shaykh : Most scholars say that if a person begins to have intrusive thoughts in prayer, meaning he worries and thinks a lot, his prayer becomes... and this is the truth: the prayer is valid even if the voices dominate most of it. This is because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) informed us that Satan comes to a person during his prayer and says, "Remember this, remember that, remember this," until what he prayed becomes confused. However, a person must strive and be diligent in keeping his heart present. If he is affected by any of these voices, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) guided us to spit on his left side three times and seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan. For example, if you feel these intrusive thoughts while praying, turn like this, spit on your left side three times, and say, "I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan." If you are praying behind an imam with people, you cannot turn here, because if you spit on your left side, you would be spitting next to the person beside you. But if it is difficult, it is sufficient to seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan, whether you feel it while standing, bowing, prostrating, or standing.