Salat is dearest to Allah (swt)
Narrated Abdullah Ibn Masood (ra):
Once I asked to the Prophet (sas), Which act of man is the dearest to Allah (swt).
The Prophet replied "Salat". I then asked which act comes next and the Prophet (sas) replied "Kindness to parents", I again asked what next, The Prophet (sas) replied "Jihaad"
Narrated Abu Zar (ra):
Once the Prophet (sas) came out of his house. It was autumn and the leaves were falling off the trees. He caught hold of a branch of a tree and its leaves began to fall in large number.
At this the Prophet (sas) remarked, O Abu Zar (ra), When a Muslim offers his Salat to please Allah (swt), his sins will shed away from him just as these leaves are falling off this tree.
In autumn, the leaves of the trees fall in large numbers, in some trees not a single leaf is left behind. Similarly the effect of Salat performed with sincerity and devotion will wipe off all the sins of the person.
"And perform As-Salat, at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Verily, good deeds remove the evil deeds (small sins). That is a reminder for the mindful". (Surah Hud, 11:114)
Narrated Abdullah Ibn Masood (ra):
A man kissed a woman and then came to Allah's Messenger (sas) and told him of that. So this divine revelation was revealed to the Prophet (sas). "And perform As-Salat, at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Verily, good deeds remove the evil deeds (small sins). That is a reminder for the mindful".
The man said, Is this instruction only for me? The Prophet (sas) said, "It is for all those of my followers who encounter a similar situation".
Narrated Abu Hurairah (ra):
Once Prophet (sas) asked his companions, " Do you believe that dirt can remain on a person bathing five times a day?" His companions replied No, No dirt can remain on his body. The Prophet (sas) said, "Similar is the effect of Salat offered five time a day, With the grace of Allah, it washes all the sins".
Narrated Abu Sa'eed Khudri (ra):
He heard the Prophet (sas) saying, Each of the five Salat expiates the sins committed since the Salat preceding it.
Any sins of omission between the two salat are forgiven on account of seeking forgiveness and repentance in each Salat.
Allah (swt), The most gracious has shown us the way to earn his mercy and forgiveness. It will be a great loss if we do not attain mercy and blessings from Allah (swt).
