You may be surprised by this, but as you think about it, there is really a large amount of overlap. A simple definition of prayer is communication with God. A simple definition of worship is honoring God. Clearly, they are not the same thing, but if you follow Jesus example of prayer and worship, you’ll find yourself doing both at the same time.
There are more sophisticated definitions of both that theologians talk about, but we should always start with Jesus’ example. Here is our article about what Jesus taught his disciples to pray.
Jesus clearly starts with worship, “hallowed be Your Name.” God should be honored, His reputation lifted up in this world. In fact, even when we pray a prayer of petition where we put our needs before God, we acknowledge our need for God, His authority, and power. That’s an act of worship!
But if you are worshiping does that mean you are praying? The Psalms, the Old Testament book of worship songs, are full of prayers that were meant to be sung. And in the New Testament, Paul tells us to "pray without ceasing," in constant contact with God's Spirit.
Hebrews 13:15–16 sums up this idea for us well: Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
May your life honor and celebrate God, marked by constant communion with Him!