Remember This on Rosh HaShana:

The following is from Rabbi Avigdor Miller zt”l, compiled on the Parsha of Ki Seitzei:

when you’re davening before Hashem

“Elkanah’s Purpose

“Everyone knows there was a man named Elkanah, the father of Shmuel

Hanavi. Elkanah used to go three times a year to Shilo where the Mishkan was. 

And it explains there what his purpose was. Why did he go to Shilo? He went to bring

offerings? Yes, he did that; absolutely you have to bring offerings when you go to

the Sanctuary. He also had to speak to the sons of Eli. It’s important to consult with

the Sages and therefore three times a year he went up to the central place of the

Sages and he spoke to them and he got advice from them.

“But one of the most important purposes, the Navi says, was lehishtachavos

laHashem, to bow down to Hashem. You hear that? That’s how important it is. He

traveled to Shilo to bow down to Hashem, lehishtachavos.

“Now listen to the word hishtachavos. In Hebrew you’ll understand it better

from the word shach. Shach means low, and hishtachaveh is called reflexive hispael;

it’s a form of grammar, “to make yourself low.” 

“In lashon kodesh you don’t say bow – you say “to make yourself low to Hashem.”

“[…] That’s one of the most important functions in our prayers that most people

ignore and overlook. You’re standing the amidah, you’re beginning saying shemoneh

esrei, so you give a peremptory bow. The bow, you think, that’s not important. It’s

just an introduction; the words you’re about to say, “Boruch atah Hashem” that’s

what’s important.

“No, you’re missing the whole point. The most important thing is the bowing

down! The bowing down and acknowledging that there’s somebody higher than

you, that’s the most important part. So don’t be in a hurry. While you’re bowing,

take your time and get the full benefit of that. It’s a law in the Gemara. You must

bow down at the beginning of shemoneh esrei because that’s the first lesson. 

“Gaavah is the beginning of all sin, and therefore the first thing is to uproot that arrogance.”

[…]

And therefore the wise person learns to make use of all the opportunities that

Hashem plans for him. …  And even when the sailing is smooth he never forgets 

his obligation to lower himself in front of Hashem. He always bows before Hashem 

and he’s always thinking, “As great as I am, as tremendous my capabilities and 

potential are – actually just because of Gadlus Ha’Adam – that’s why 

I’m always lowering myself in front of You.”