The ideals of the Sikh faith advise the devotee to rise early in the morning and meditate on God. Meditation is usually done while sitting comfortably, cross-legged, on the floor. Nitnem is a set of morning, evening, and bedtime prayers which are read or recited daily, while sitting or standing. Sikhs normally do not say prayers while kneeling as Christians or Catholics do. Some Sikhs occasionally use prayer beads, called a mala, to help with concentration. A formal prayer of supplication, called Ardas, is offered while standing. Prayer and meditation focuses on praising God, and may take the form of singing. Sikhs believe prayer and meditation to be essential in attaining desirable qualities and overcoming ego. Sikh scripture counsels that each breath is an opportunity for prayer.
Guru Arjun wrote: "Twenty-four hours a day, O Nanak, meditate on the Guru, the path to enlightenment." SGGS||387
Read More:
Ardas, the Sikh Prayer of Supplication
Nitnem, the Daily Observance of Prayer
Panj Bania, the Five Daily Prayers of the Sikhs
Simran, Contemplative Meditation
