If everything is Waheguru's Hukam (will), does prayer make any difference? What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about the purpose of Simran and Ardas?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

My dear one, this is a profound question that touches the very heart of our spiritual journey. It's wonderful that you are contemplating the relationship between Waheguru's Hukam and the power of prayer. Let us explore what our beloved Guru Granth Sahib teaches us about this.

Understanding Waheguru's Hukam

Indeed, the Guru Granth Sahib beautifully articulates that everything happens within the divine will, the Hukam, of Waheguru. This understanding is foundational to our faith. It means that the universe operates according to a perfect, divine order. The Guru tells us:

"By His Command, bodies are created; by His Command, greatness is obtained. By His Command, some are high and some are low; by His Command, pain and pleasure are obtained." (Ang 1, Raag Asa, Guru Nanak Dev Ji)

And again, the Guru reminds us:

"O Nanak, all are subject to the Hukam, the Lord's Command; no one is beyond His Command." (Ang 7, Raag Asa, Guru Nanak Dev Ji)

This might lead one to wonder, if everything is already ordained, what is the purpose of our efforts, our prayers? This is where the Guru's wisdom guides us to a deeper understanding.

The Purpose of Simran

Simran, the continuous remembrance of Waheguru, is not an attempt to change Hukam, but rather to align ourselves with it. It's about transforming our inner state so that we can accept and even rejoice in Hukam. When we engage in Simran, we are not asking Waheguru to alter the divine plan; instead, we are asking for the spiritual strength, wisdom, and peace to understand and embrace that plan. The Guru teaches us that Simran cleanses the mind and connects us to the divine:

"Meditate, meditate, meditate on Him, O my soul, and all your pains shall depart." (Ang 11, Raag Gauree, Guru Arjan Dev Ji)

Through Simran, we cultivate a state of mind where we see Waheguru's hand in everything, recognizing the divine wisdom behind all occurrences, whether they appear joyful or challenging. It brings us closer to the Creator and helps us shed our ego, which often resists Hukam.

The Purpose of Ardas

Ardas, our humble supplication, is also not about changing Waheguru's Hukam. Instead, Ardas is an act of surrendering our will to the Divine Will. It is an expression of our faith, our humility, and our deep longing for spiritual connection and guidance. When we perform Ardas, we are not dictating to Waheguru; we are expressing our needs, our gratitude, and our aspirations, while ultimately leaving the outcome to the Divine. It is an acknowledgment that Waheguru is the ultimate Giver and Doer. The Guru Granth Sahib encourages us to turn to Waheguru in all circumstances:

"Whatever is in Your will, that alone happens. There is no other doer." (Ang 285, Raag Gauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji)

Ardas is a powerful way to strengthen our faith, to seek forgiveness, to ask for the well-being of all humanity, and to pray for the gift of Naam (the Divine Name). It is a dialogue with the Divine, where we lay bare our hearts. It brings peace and acceptance, knowing that the One who created us also sustains us and knows what is best for us. The Sikh Rehat Maryada also speaks to the importance of Ardas, stating:

"The Sikh should stand and do Ardaas (supplication) with folded hands, turning towards the Guru Granth Sahib. If the Guru Granth Sahib is not present, he should turn in the direction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)." (Article IV, Section (b))

This act of standing and supplicating is a physical and spiritual expression of our devotion and surrender.

The Difference Prayer Makes

So, does prayer make a difference? Absolutely, but not in the way one might initially think. Prayer does not alter Waheguru's Hukam, but it profoundly alters us. Simran and Ardas transform our perspective, purify our minds, and strengthen our connection with the Divine. They help us to understand and accept Hukam with grace and peace. They cultivate within us virtues like humility, patience, and unwavering faith. Through prayer, we find the inner strength to navigate life's challenges, knowing that Waheguru is always with us.

It is through this continuous remembrance and humble supplication that we truly live a life in harmony with Waheguru's divine will, finding liberation and bliss within Hukam itself.

May your journey of Simran and Ardas bring you ever closer to the Divine. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.