What is the ruling on one who abandons prayer out of laziness, and is he considered a disbeliever?

What has been mentioned regarding the apostasy of one who abandons prayer is considered sound by some scholars. Those who do not deem him an apostate, however, consider him worse than the fornicator, the thief, the wine-drinker, and the murderer. The perceived burden of prayer is a deception from Satan. Strive against yourself so that Allah may remove this feeling from you. Through this struggle, Allah will replace it with sweetness and expansiveness of the heart. Prayer is the delight of the believers' eyes, and with a little striving, you will be able to maintain it, especially by utilizing the times when devils are chained. Associate with righteous people, strive in supplication that Allah may endear faith to you, and frequently contemplate death and its terrors.