Maimonides (RAMBAM) Says That Prayer Without Intent Is Not Even A Prayer (Not Even A Body Without A Soul). The Two-Level Of Intent During Prayer
Prayer is the substitute for the sacrifices. Where is the animal within you? How do you turn the animal within you to do good?
Rabbe Saadia Gaoen writes that each of the 3 parts (Praise, Petition, and Thanks) also be considered as a prayer. He brings proof from Chanah’s prayer (in the book of Shemuel).
The absolute truth of G-d, why are we storming heaven and earth? What’s wrong with the current picture? Essence to essence.