Commentary for Berakhot 61:10

THE SAGES ACTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR MISHNA. There are three sources on this issue. Our Mishna says that we may only pray when we are in submissive mode. The first Braiso quoted in the Gemara says that we must pray only after discussing an absolute halochoh. The second Braiso quoted in the Gemara says that we may pray only after rejoicing of mitzvoh. When our Gemara says that the Rabanan did as the Mishna rules and Rav Ashee did as the Braiso rules, it indicates that there is a dispute between the Mishna and the first Braiso. The Gemara never mentions that there is any dispute between our Mishna and the second Braiso that says we must be involved with rejoicing of mitzvoh when we are about to pray. And the halochoh is like them, the Rabanan who did as it says in the Mishna, that one must be in a submissive frame of mind when he begins praying.
And therefore we do not pray when in a mood of lightheadedness and laughter, only when in a mood of submissiveness¹This is the frame of mind required by our Mishna. and joy of mitzvoh,²This is the requirement of the second Braiso. מגיד תעלומה says that Tosfos obviously holds that there is no conflict between our Mishna and the second Braiso. for example, when occupied in words of Torah. And therefore it is customary to recite the verses of song (T’hilim 146-150) and ashray (psalms 145) before prayer.³See Shulchon Oruch 93, 1, 2, 3, who quotes the Mishna and both Braisos. It seems that he holds that there is no conflict between them.

RAV ASHI ACTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BARAITA. Yerushalmee says: one should stand up to pray only from the study of halochoh. This Braiso seems to be the same as the one Rav Ashee follows in our Gemara. R’ Yirmiyoh said, one who is occupied with the needs of the public is equivalent to one who is occupied with the study of Torah.¹See מעדני יום טוב to Rosh simon 2, 200, who offers two explanations of this Yerushalmee. It may mean that one who is occupied with needs of the public is equal to the study of Torah and he may immediately begin to pray, because that is joy of a mitzvoh. A second explanation is that one who is occupied with public works need not pray at all.

I.e. only permit one to pray in a serious frame of mind.

I.e. permitted one to pray after discussing a Halakah which has been decided.