1.Sincere praise is not flattery.Insincere,hidden-agenda praise is flattery.It’s due respect to shower “royalty” with deserved praise,before addressing the topic at hand.Even if you must ask for a personal favor afterwards.BECAUSE WE PRAISE HIM IN THE SHABBOS SHEMONA ESRAY–EVEN WITHOUT BASKOSHOS.So Hashem knows we are for real!
2.To Hashem,you are not just “one little person”–you are His creation.The tiniest child is never ,ever just”one little person” to his parents,right?