This translates to you alone do we worship and you alone we seek for help.
In this verse we are now translating knowledge (from the first 3 verses) into action i.e. ilm into amal.
Establishing a personal connection with Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala):
In the first 3 verses Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) introduced himself. In this ayat, the tense changes from third person to second person i.e. a direct dialogue/communication between Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and us. The revelation of Fatihah is itself an indication that we need to have our own relationship with Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). There can be no one between Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and us.
The change of tense is usually not considered good grammar in English but it is considered eloquent in Arabic.
Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
Abu Huraira (radi allahu anhu) reported: When (this verse) was revealed to him: “Warn your nearest kinsmen.” the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: O people of Quraish, buy yourselves from Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), I cannot avail you at all against Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala); O sons of Abd al-Muttalib. I cannot avail you at all against Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala); O Abbas b. ‘Abd al- Muttalib, I cannot avail you at all against Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala); O Safiya (aunt of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)), I cannot avail you at all against Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala); O Fatima, daughter of Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), ask me whatever you like, but I cannot avail you at all against Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala).
Why is this verse plural when it is always recited by a single person?
This verse is amazingly plural even though it is recited by a single person always. This emphasizes that Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) alone is unique and the ones worshipping him are in billions. Also, it is to remind us that a Muslim is not a selfish individual being, rather he is connected to the entire ummah. Hence we recite Surah Fatihah as an ummah who is collectively worshipping one Rabb, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala).
Secret of Al-Fatihah:
Some of the Salaf said, Al-Fatihah is the secret of the Quran, while these words are the secret of Al-Fatihah, “You we worship, and You we ask for help from”. The first part is a declaration of innocence from Shirk (polytheism), while the second negates having any power or strength, displaying the recognition that all affairs are controlled by Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) alone. This meaning is reiterated in various instances in the Quran.