Focus in Prayer

Assalamu Alaikum.

I am trying to improve my focus in prayer and had the following question:

Am I allowed to imagine things or reflect on what I am saying/doing or should I focus solely on recitation and the translations of what is being said?

For example, in regards to imagining, when in prostration instead of thinking about the translation, can I instead hope for Allah's mercy or any other Attributes? Or think about my sins and shortcomings? But when I do this, I am not focusing on the translation of what I am saying but rather Allah instead. So the actual dhikr becomes robotic in a sense?

In regards to reflecting, when I say Allah is the Most High in prostration. Can I reflect on what that means specifically? How it applies to me in life or others? This is more in tune with the dhikr than the above example, but still my thoughts can "deviate" away from the solid translation.

And then finally, just focusing on recitation-- literally repeating the translations of the words being said in my head. I don't speak Arabic so when I try to map each word to English it takes focus.

I used prostration as an example, but these three can work in any position and instance of the prayer.

Thank you, I appreciate any input (with references if possible).