Prayer in Sikhism

This section explains Prayer in Sikhism. Prayer plays a central role in the daily life of a Sikh, as they are expected to constantly remember and meditate on Waheguru's name. Sikhs view prayer not just as a formal act of worship, but as a spiritual practice that shapes their everyday life. This constant remembrance of God is a way to stay connected to the Divine, to live righteously, and to maintain spiritual focus.

Daily Prayers and Home Worship

Sikhs are encouraged to begin their day with prayer and meditation on God’s Name. Many Sikhs perform their prayers in the morning, often rising early to begin their spiritual practices. They typically recite prayers from their prayer books and spend time reflecting on God’s presence. Meditation on Waheguru’s name (often referred to as Nam Japna) is a key aspect of daily worship.

While most Sikhs do not keep a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib in their homes, many do own other important Sikh texts. The Dasam Granth, compiled by Guru Gobind Singh, contains a collection of his poetic writings and hymns. Sikhs may also possess the Japji Sahib, a compilation of prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib that forms part of the morning prayers of many Sikhs. In addition, some Sikhs have a small prayer book called the Gutka, which contains various prayers and hymns for daily recitation.

A key verse from the Guru Granth Sahib highlights the importance of early morning prayer and meditation:

“One who calls himself a Sikh of the True Guru shall get up early in the morning and meditate on God’s Name. Bathe daily in the ambrosial pool and, following the Guru's instructions, chant Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani. Whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord’s name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food – that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru’s mind.”
— Guru Granth Sahib, 305

This verse emphasises the importance of starting each day with devotion, meditation, and the remembrance of God's name.

The Ardas Prayer

The Ardas prayer is one of the most important and frequently recited prayers in Sikhism. It is a prayer of request, which can be said during any moment of need or during collective worship. In the gurdwara, the person leading the prayer will recite the Ardas, while the sangat (congregation) will respond by repeating the name Waheguru. This prayer serves as a reminder of the Sikh commitment to God and is a form of collective supplication for support and blessings.

The Ardas prayer includes expressions of gratitude and devotion to the Guru and God. An excerpt from the prayer reads:

“There is One Being, all victory belongs to the Wonderful Guru, May the divine Might help us. The Tenth Guru’s Ode to the Divine Might. The light of the Ten Gurus shines in the Guru Granth Sahib, consider its sacred word, envisage its sacred sight, And proclaim; Waheguru, the Wonderful Guru!”
— Ardas prayer

This prayer calls upon the Divine Might of Waheguru and acknowledges the wisdom and guidance of the Ten Gurus. Sikhs recite this prayer to ask for divine assistance, blessings, and strength in their lives.

Akhand Path

The Akhand Path is a significant and spiritual practice in Sikhism, referring to the non-stop continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end. This reading is performed over a period of 48 hours, during which the entire scripture, comprising 1,430 pages, is read aloud. The reading takes place day and night, without interruption, and involves a group of people taking turns to read.

The Akhand Path holds great spiritual significance, and Sikhs engage in this practice for several reasons, including:

• To honour important festivals such as Divali or Vaisakhi, two of the most important religious celebrations in Sikhism.
• To mark joyous occasions, such as weddings, where the recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib brings blessings and spiritual merit.
• As an opportunity to perform sewa (selfless service), where individuals take part in the reading and in the community service associated with the Akhand Path.

The Akhand Path serves as a reminder of the importance of the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikh spiritual life and highlights the central role of scripture in guiding Sikhs towards spiritual growth and connection with Waheguru.

Conclusion

In Sikhism, prayer is an essential and ongoing practice, woven into the fabric of daily life. From individual morning prayers and meditation to communal prayers like the Ardas and the Akhand Path, Sikhs continuously engage with their faith through words of devotion, reflection, and supplication. Prayer is not just an act of communication with the Divine but a way to align one's thoughts, actions, and intentions with the teachings of the Gurus, ultimately bringing Sikhs closer to Waheguru and guiding them on their spiritual journey.