How can one overcome laziness in performing prayer while having the desire to adhere to it?

To be among those who preserve their prayers:

1. Firm Faith: Believing in its obligatory nature and that it is the greatest pillar of Islam, and that whoever abandons it is threatened with severe punishment. "Indeed, between a man and polytheism and disbelief is the abandonment of prayer," "The covenant between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it has disbelieved."

2. Knowledge of the Consequences of Delay: Delaying prayer beyond its prescribed time is a major sin. Allah Almighty said: (Then, there succeeded them a generation who neglected prayers and pursued lusts; so they are going to meet Ghayy [a valley in Hell]). And He said: (So woe to those who pray, [but] who are heedless of their prayer).

3. Eagerness for Congregational Prayer: Performing prayers in the mosque congregation, as congregational prayer is obligatory. "Whoever hears the call [to prayer] and does not come, his prayer is not valid except for one with an excuse," and the Prophet, peace be upon him, said to the blind man: "Do you hear the call to prayer?" He said, "Yes." He said, "Then respond."

4. Hope for Reward in the Hereafter: Hoping to be among the seven whom Allah will shade with His shade, among whom is "a man whose heart is attached to the mosques."

5. Seeking Great Reward: Seeking the tremendous reward associated with performing it, especially in congregation. Congregational prayer is twenty-five degrees superior to individual prayer. "Allah forgives his sins" for whoever performs ablution perfectly and walks to the prescribed prayer.

6. Reading about the Virtues of Prayer: Reading about the virtues of prayer and the sin of neglecting it.

7. Choosing Righteous Friends: Choosing friends who are diligent in their prayers and avoiding their opposites.

8. Avoiding Sins and Disobediences: Avoiding sins and disobediences, as they make a servant indifferent to acts of obedience and strengthen the devil's sway.