Q. Does G‑d really need all the praises we heap on Him during our Prayers? Is G‑d so egocentric? Aren't some of the praises too flattering and overstated?
A. As humans we tend to think of G‑d in our own terms. Of course praising another person with exaggerated praises is foolish. Someone that appreciates such praises would be very egotistic. However, G‑d is not human and has no human qualities. We believe that G‑d is unlimited. He created us and our world. He gives everything that we have.
So anything that we say describing G‑d is understated, after all we really have no terms to describe the Infinite. Everything we thank Him for, will really not fully show gratitude for everything that he has given us. Our praises to G‑d, rather than being overly flattering are really quite modest when considering His infinity. But does he really want us to constantly remind Him of Hs greatness and what He has done for us?
Think of yourself being praised by others. Of course we all appreciate a pat on the back or a complement (hopefully in moderation) from a friend, college or spouse. We may even appreciate some affection from a pet. But would it mean anything if a tiny creature, a microbe, praised us? Would it really make a difference what some microbe thought of us. Now the difference between us and a microbe is measurable after all we are both finite. The difference between us and G‑d is infinite.
So G‑d doesn't really care for our praises too much. But it means a lot to us. After all, our recognition of G‑d's greatness and our recognition what He does for us, puts our own selves in proper perspective. It allows us to transcend our own ego and selfishness and be aware of a greater force and purpose in our life. It reminds us who we really are and what we should be doing. And that is the purpose of praising G‑d in prayer - our own recognition of something much greater than ourselves.