Ba'al Shem Tov, Noach 22/בעל שם טוב על התורה·נח כ״ב

1You must actually ask the letters [of prayer] themselves to help you – that is, the secret Divinity within them. It should help you speak the words with true and selfless intent. This sweetens all the Severities in their root.Degel Machane Ephraim, BeShalach