Silence
The reason we observe silence before the beginning of the liturgy is to allow a “space” for each of us to prepare ourselves for worship. Because the liturgy is something that is offered by all of us to God and not a show for the congregation, preparation is very important. Try to get to church at least ten minutes before the liturgy begins so that you have time to pray and prepare yourself. The collect entitled “Of the Holy Eucharist” on p. 252 of The Book of Common Prayer is a good prayer to pray before the Sunday liturgy (as is prayer #66 on p. 834). Psalms 84, 85, 86 and 130 are also helpful in this context. The purpose of preparation is so that all of us may worship God with all our heart and mind.