What is the context?
Luke names prophets and teachers in the Antioch church: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen and Saul. He notes that Manaen had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch. The list shows several people serving together without specifying that their order establishes a ranking.
While they are worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit directs them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for work to which He has already called them. The initiative comes from the Spirit, and the community responds through fasting, prayer, laying on hands and sending.
The word translated worshiping is λειτουργέω (leitourgeō, lay-toor-GEH-oh). Thayer’s entry describes service rendered to the Lord, including prayer, teaching and other service. Luke names fasting and prayer here but does not give a complete order of worship or identify every activity taking place.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly see the Spirit initiating the mission and the church responding through prayer and a public sending. Wesley on verse 2 understands this as commissioning people for their appointed work, rather than Saul first becoming an apostle at this moment.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
This sending moves forward the calling already described in Acts 9:15–16. Saul was chosen to carry Jesus’ name before Gentiles, rulers and Israel; the next account will show that witness reaching another place and another hearer.
Galatians 1:15–16 describes Paul’s calling by grace to proclaim God’s Son among the Gentiles. Acts places that personal calling within the praying life and practical support of a community. God’s direction and the help of fellow believers are working together in the mission.
What is our position?
What Does Worship Actually Mean? notes that Acts 13:2 describes believers ministering to the Lord while fasting. This is one real gathered activity, though Luke does not give a complete order of service for every church.