Worship often includes words and actions, but it goes beyond them to the FOCUS of the mind and heart. Worship is the God-centered focus and response of the inner man; it is being preoccupied with God.

So no matter what you are saying or singing or doing at any moment, you are worshiping God only when you are focused on Him and thinking of Him. But whenever you do focus on the infinite worth of God, you will respond in worship as surely as the moon reflects the sun. This kind of worship isn’t in vain.

from Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

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Gender-neutral version:

Worship often includes words and actions, but it goes beyond them to the FOCUS of the mind and heart. Worship is the God-centered focus and response of the inner person; it is being preoccupied with God.

So no matter what you are saying or singing or doing at any moment, you are worshiping God only when you are focused on God and thinking of God. But whenever you do focus on the infinite worth of God, you will respond in worship as surely as the moon reflects the sun. This kind of worship isn’t in vain.

from Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life