The Sefer Chasidim an ancient work on Jewish Law & Customs writes the following about prayer: The root of prayer is having one's heart happy with G-d... This is why King David played his harp each time he prayed to fill his heart with joy of the love of G-d...
Those who are incapable of pronouncing the words properly and at times their improper speech causes them to say things that are blasphemous, may still say the prayer service. Our Creator who examines our hearts only asks for the heart of man; that it should be whole with Him. As the person in unaware of how to pray properly, God considers it as if he said it correctly. Similarly those who read Pesukei D'Zimrah with a loud singing voice and do not know what the verses mean and are therefore saying them improperly, their prayer and singing is accepted like an offering with a beautiful scent. G-d rejoices over him.
There was once a Kohen who was unable to pronounce a word in the Priestly Blessing properly, he would say ישמדך (destroy you) rather then ישמרך (protect you). A local rabbi forbade him from giving the blessing any longer. The rabbi was then sent a heavenly sign that if he did not recant what he told the Kohen he would be held strictly responsible.
I would like to point out that there are many Halachic issues that come up with mispronouncing words. Issues which are germane whether one is leading the services, and even if one is praying alone. Despite those issues, the Sefer Chasidim is making it clear that one who is sincerely doing his best has his prayers accepted as if they were expertly pronounced. And one who rejects someone who cannot pray with perfect or even proper diction, will be called to task for his rejection.
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