To put in terms that we can understand, a mother cares for her child and wants them to reach the highest level in life so she guides her child by giving him rules and guidelines to follow. This is what Allah does for us. He cares for us and wants us to reach perfection so he gives us rules and guidelines to follow in life. These are what we call ibadaat. Worship is not just prayer but many things fall under the category of ibadaat.