The Hesed L'Avraham (2:44) explains in depth the effect that different levels of kavanah have on davening, but in the end he sums it up so simply, I thought I would bring it here.
Kavanah in prayer is the desire to awaken and draw down strength from on high such that the words and letters of our prayers will be elevated to the lofty levels which are their destination.
In simpler terms, kavanah is the power (given to us by HaShem) to raise our prayers to their appropriate place. Without that power, our prayers won't be able to reach the gates of blessing they are intended to open.
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