One must understand Mishnah before going on. And the way to make sure you know enough is to study more. Which brings us to Resh Lakish's practice of reviewing Mishnah 40 times. R. Ada bar Ahava would review 24 times. [Who's Who (in part): Resh Lakish] Also, the dilemma of what to pray for when confronted with both famine and plague (may we never know this situation). But why can't you pray for two things at the same time?! We have biblical verses to teach that. Plus, in a time of religious persecution, when fasting was not allowed, they decreed a fast as part of their prayer to end the persecution, and they'll actually fast once the persecution is over. Also, an open question whether this tractate verges to the spiritual/metaphysical or to the practical, if religious.