Salah Feels Like a Burden, Not Love

Assalamu alaikum everyone. I’m trying my best to keep up with the five daily prayers, but honestly, it feels like a heavy chore-like I’m just ticking off a box. Deep down, I know Allah is real and Islam is the truth, no doubt. But when I hear about people praying out of pure love, I can’t relate. For me, it’s more like: 1. If I slack off, I’m scared my life will spiral and I’ll lose my way, making bad choices. 2. It’s an obligation, plain and simple. Being a believer means you have to obey, so skipping feels hypocritical. I do want to feel that love and closeness to Allah, but right now it’s just a struggle. Has anyone else been through this? How did you turn it from a task into something heartfelt? And do you know the wisdom behind why Allah prescribed five prayers-like what’s the deeper reason? Jazakum Allahu khairan.