Prayer, verbally requesting one's needs, is an action. And an ACT of subordination demonstrates a much deeper level of dependence than simple thought. Because there is such a great difference between one who ACTS in a way that indicates dependency and subordination compared to one who only maintains a mental vision of such a relationship, prayer must be done with words of beseeching, with the fundamental nature of prayer being verbal. The latest time for saying Kriyath Shma is before one quarter of the day has passed. The latest time for saying Shmoneh Esrei is before one third of the day has passed.
Evil behaviour is a departure from balance and propriety.
When his evil behaviour is directed towards others, this is a complete departure from balance and equilibrium, and is considered the ultimate form of evildoing, since it is identifiable by others observing his behaviour. And the tzadik stands in direct opposition to the rasha. The destructive nature of evil is so great, that even the limited impact of departing from orderly behaviour that only affects the individual is significant, and care must be taken to avoid it. The lesson of not being a rasha before yourself is appropriate here, since, even if others don't know about your evil actions, G-d does, and it impacts on the efficacy of your prayers. So the three lessons taught by Rebbe Shimon are all linked, to perfect man who was created to serve G-d, which is done through prayer.