How can a Muslim commit to and maintain prayer, despite an inner feeling of love for the religion and a desire to commit, yet finding it difficult to do so?

Neglecting even one prayer is a grave sin and a tremendous crime, greater than adultery, theft, drinking alcohol, or killing a soul, by the consensus of Muslims. It is considered an act of disbelief by some scholars. What helps one maintain prayer is persistent supplication, keeping company with righteous and virtuous people, frequent contemplation of death and the terrors that follow it, and reflecting on Allah's attributes of severe retribution and wrath.