JAPJI Prayer

The Sikh's conception God is personal. He moves in him like a fish in the water, and lives with him like a wife with her husband. He is in constant communion with Him through prayer. Therefore prayer is much used in Sikhism. The Scripture consists chiefly of prayers. No ceremony whether religious or secular, is complete without prayer. Nay, most of the ceremonies and rituals contain nothing else. Before going on a journey, or opening a shop or occupying a new house, the Sikhs open the Holy Scriptures and asks God's blessing. Often if time and means permit, he also arranges for the singing of hymns of thanks-giving. But he will never omit a short prayer, which even the poorest can afford. No priest is required to address it. Anybody, man or woman old or young can lead in prayer. Even a boy or a girl may be seen conducting the morning or evening service and leading in prayer a big congregation consisting of the most learned and advanced in age. This is purposely encouraged, so that everybody may learn to shoulder his or her responsibilities without the help of a priestly class. The prayer varies in size and contents. Sometimes only a few words will do. A man starting on horseback with one foot in the stirrup, may mutter to himself : "O Lord of plume ! help. The Humble servant" Or a few lines may be quoted from the Scripture by way of saving grace before or after meals.

History

commonly known as Japji Sahib, is a Sikh hymn about God composed by Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the faith. It is headed by Mool Mantra and followed by 38 hymns and completed with a final Salok at the end of this composition.

It appears at the beginning in Guru Granth Sahib, the Guru as well as Holy Book of the Sikhs. 

It is regarded amongst the most important Bani or 'set of verses' by the Sikhs, as it is first Bani in Nitnem

The Prayer