Likutei Moharan, Part II 83:1/ליקוטי מוהר"ן·תנינא פ״ג:א׳

1Through rectification of the brit, which is a bow, it is possible to shoot the arrows, which are prayer—i.e., prayer’s eighteen blessings, which are three vavs, corresponding to arrows. Their place is in the brit, as in “My brit shall remain faithful to him” (Psalms 89:29). Faith is the concept of prayer, as in “and so his hands were faithful” (Exodus 17:12).

2And then the ray of Mashiach begins to shine, as in “I will cause a ray to shine forth for David” (Psalms 132:17), and “Rays from His hand are upon them” (Habakkuk 3:4). “His hand” is the concept of prayer. There are three prayers, for the Mashiach is encompassed in the Patriarchs. In other words, MaShIaCh, who is the speech with which one prays—the concept of “MeiSIaCh (generates speech in) the mute” (Shabbat Morning Liturgy)—is derived from fire, water, wind.