Ok, if we are mixing science and religion.
Ritual is important because it enforces habit, to a Muslim prayer has to be deeply ingrained habit so rules of a prayer ritual were set up. Always in same time, always in right direction. If rules are firm then habit is more easily formed.
God isn't in Mecca, God is everywhere. so rules where to turn are for benefit of Islamic believer not for God.
Btw, not Muslim, but willing to respect them as long as they respect me.