You would start by mentioning your grandfather, and how close he was to this person. You would praise the person and acknowledge that he is much greater than your needs. You would not fail to remind him (and yourself) that he is also very generous. Of course, you must understand that this person may help you not because you deserve it, but only out of his compassion and in the merit of your grandfather.
So, you would speak of his greatness, make your requests (acknowledging that he is really the only one able to help you) and then end with thanking him.
The Amidah is set up in much the very same way. We start off with three Brachos that praise G-d. We then make our request; and then conclude with three Brachos to thank Him.
The first Bracha of the Amidah is the most important and we must have Kavanah, intention, while saying it. Kavanah means 1) knowing what we are saying, and 2) to Whom we are speaking.
G-d please open my lips and let my mouth speak your praise.
We understand that in order to even speak to G-d we need His help.
Blessed are you G-d
Blessed means that G-d is the source of everything, He bestows blessing to all. It also means to draw down. When we say we are drawing G-d down to this world and into our life.
You are our G-d, and the G-d of our fathers.
We understand that G-d will listen in their merit. We go on to mention the closeness that G-d has with each one. Each of the Forefathers has a unique connection to G-d. The connection of Avraham to G-d is unique to Avraham etc. Therefore by each of the Avos we say ...
The G-d of Avraham, the G-d of Isaac, and the G-d of Jacob,
Now we speak the praise of G-d.
The A-lmighty, great powerful and awesome. G-d who is supreme
but none-the-less....
Who does loving kindness
this is why He will listen to us
Who possesses everything, He remembers the kindness of the Patriarchs
The meaning of this could be that even though He is totally above the world, by His choice He has acquired everything, meaning that He has a connection to it and He has made it valuable to Him. Why? This is all because of the deeds of our forefathers to take everything in the world and use it to serve G-d.
And He brings a redeemer to their children's children
That's you and me!
For the sake of His name, with love. King, who helps, saves and shields (protects us). Blessed are you G-d who shields Avraham.
G-d saved Avraham from the furnace so that we could continue serving Him today.