Eight positions, in the order they happen. Each one shows what your body does and what you say while you are in it. One pass through all eight is one rak'ah.
Stand facing the qiblah. Raise both hands to shoulder or ear level, say the takbir, then fold your hands on your chest or stomach. From this moment you are in prayer.
Still standing, hands folded. In the first rak'ah only, say the opening supplication quietly. Then seek refuge, say the basmalah, and recite Al-Fatihah — in every rak'ah, with no substitute. In the first two rak'ahs add a short surah.
Say the takbir and bow. Bend from the hips until your back is level, head in line with it, fingers spread on the knees, arms and back straight. Be still before you speak.
Stand back up fully, speaking as you rise. Pause here — this is a stage of its own, not a passing movement.
Say the takbir and go down. Forehead, nose, both palms, both knees and the toes of both feet rest on the ground — seven points. Keep the elbows off the floor and away from the sides.
Say the takbir and sit up. Fold the left foot under you and sit on it, right foot upright with the toes turned toward the qiblah, hands resting on the thighs. Settle before moving on.
Takbir, and prostrate again exactly as before, with the same tasbih. This completes one rak'ah. Say the takbir and stand for the next one — or, after an even number of rak'ahs, stay seated for the tashahhud.
Sit as in stage 6 and recite the tashahhud, raising the index finger at the testimony of faith. In the last sitting add the durood and a du'a. Then turn your head right and left with the salam — the prayer is over.
A short surah is added after Al-Fatihah in the first two rak'ahs only. After every two rak'ahs you sit for the tashahhud; in Fajr that sitting is also the final one.