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As a sign of respect for whom they are praying to.
In Judaism a head covering doesn't merely cover what is beneath it; it reminds you of what is above it. Hence the Kipah, which serves as a constant reminder of G-d's presence.
When a Jew prays he enters a greater state of G-d consciousness. Many who (for whatever reason) don't wear a Kipah all the time don one when they pray. And those who do wear a Kipah all day (in accordance with Jewish law) don an additional head covering when they pray.
Incidentally, the High Priest, who was in a constant state of enhanced spirituality, wore two head coverings.1
Mysticism
The Jewish soul is comprised of five elements: Nefesh (Vitality), Ruach (Emotion), Neshamah (Intellect), Chayah (Life), and Yechidah (Unity). The first three elements function from within us (in our liver, heart, and brain respectively), the latter two from above us.
During prayer, when we tap into a higher level of spirituality, we wear two coverings above our head symbolizing the two loftier transcendent elements of the soul.2
Footnotes
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