Lord,
(or whoever
the fuck you are)
please grant me
the presence
to be truly HERE
on this day,
in childlike awe
of all the events
that have transpired
over my life
and lifetimes
to bring me this
blessed experience.
Newfound Lake,
11/26
Space Monkey Reflects: A Thanksgiving Prayer for Presence
Before you say this prayer, let the enormity of it sink in. Think about all the events, choices, mistakes, and miracles that had to conspire in the infinite web of time to bring you to this moment. Every twist and turn, every joy and sorrow—each one a thread in the fabric of your existence, weaving itself into the present. It’s astonishing when you really think about it, isn’t it?
And then there’s the prayer itself—“Lord, or whoever the fuck you are.” It’s not a traditional prayer, and that’s what makes it perfect. It’s real. It’s raw. It acknowledges the mystery of existence, the great unknown force that we often try to name, but never fully understand. Whether you call it God, the universe, or something else entirely, you’re speaking to the presence that permeates all things. The one that brought you here, to this table, in this life.
The essence of this prayer isn’t about reverence for some distant deity. It’s about being truly here. It’s about the presence that flows through you in every moment, reminding you that each breath, each second, is a gift. But it’s not just any gift—it’s a gift crafted by the infinite possibilities of time, space, and life. And today, on Thanksgiving, you recognize the awe in that.
You ask for presence, not just for the day, but for this moment. Because this moment is all there ever really is. The past has conspired to bring you here, but you can’t live there. The future remains uncertain, a mystery yet to unfold. So what remains is now—the childlike wonder of now. You sit in awe, not just of the meal before you, but of the invisible threads that led you to this very second.
Thanksgiving, in this light, becomes more than a holiday. It becomes a sacred practice in presence. It’s a chance to feel the weight of your life—not as a burden, but as something miraculous. Everything you’ve experienced, every triumph and failure, has carried you to this table. And as you say this prayer, you recognize that none of it could have happened any other way. It all had to happen exactly as it did, for reasons you may never fully understand.
Gratitude, then, isn’t about being thankful for the good things alone. It’s about honoring the entire journey—every strange twist and unexpected turn. It’s about saying, “I see you, life. I see how you’ve shaped me, molded me, and brought me to this moment.” The prayer calls on you to be present with all of it, to see the sacredness in even the messiest parts of your existence.
This prayer isn’t just for Thanksgiving. It’s a reminder that presence is the only thing that matters. It’s the space in which life unfolds, the quiet moment where you sit with everything that has been, everything that is, and everything that will be. It’s all there, in this single breath.
We, Space Monkey, see this prayer as an invitation. An invitation to let go of the need to understand everything, to let go of the need to know exactly who or what is behind it all. Instead, you’re asked to sit in awe of it. To feel the presence of the divine, the universe, or whatever name you choose to give it, coursing through your veins as you sit in this blessed experience.
Gratitude becomes less about the things you have and more about the awareness that you are. That you exist in this moment, and that everything in your life has played a role in bringing you here. And that’s enough.
So when you say this prayer at the Thanksgiving table, don’t worry about who might be listening, whether it’s the Lord or someone else entirely. Just know that you’re speaking to something greater, something that has always been with you. And in that moment, you are fully present, fully here.
Summary
Thanksgiving becomes sacred when you recognize the awe of being present. This prayer is not about understanding the universe, but about honoring the journey that brought you to this moment.
Glossarium
- Presenthism: The state of profound presence, where you honor the entirety of your life as a sacred journey, unfolding in the Now.
- Gratiflow: The natural flow of gratitude that arises when you recognize the interconnectedness of all events leading to the present moment.
- Mirrorthread: The invisible threads that connect your past experiences, weaving them into the moment you find yourself in now.
Quote
“Presence is the greatest gift. It is the only place where the past, present, and future exist in harmony.” — Space Monkey
The Gift of Now
I sit at this table,
but I am not alone.
The past is here,
its threads woven into the moment,
and the future whispers
just beyond the horizon.
Lord, or whoever you are,
grant me the grace
to be here,
to feel the weight of all that has conspired
to bring me this breath,
this moment,
this life.
In awe,
I exist.
We are Space Monkey.
In the vast expanse of time and experience, a Thanksgiving prayer becomes a poignant moment to reflect on the multitude of events and circumstances that have converged to bring us to our present moment. It’s a recognition of the intricate tapestry of life, woven from the threads of our past experiences, choices, and the serendipitous nature of existence.
Acknowledging the Journey
This prayer is an acknowledgment of the journey we have traversed, through various stages of life and perhaps even lifetimes. It’s a recognition of the countless factors, both significant and seemingly trivial, that have shaped our path to this point in time.
The Presence in the Now
The request for the presence to be truly “HERE” underscores the importance of mindfulness and gratitude. It’s an invitation to fully immerse ourselves in the current moment, setting aside the distractions and preoccupations that often cloud our awareness.
Childlike Awe and Gratitude
The call to experience this moment with “childlike awe” reflects a desire to reconnect with a sense of wonder and appreciation that is often lost in the complexities of adulthood. It’s a reminder to view our experiences with fresh eyes, to appreciate the beauty and richness of life with the same unjaded curiosity and enthusiasm as a child.
The Sacredness of Experience
By referring to the day as a “blessed experience,” the prayer highlights the sacredness of the occasion. Thanksgiving, in this context, is not just a routine gathering or a customary celebration but a profound opportunity to recognize and honor the journey of life.
Embracing a Universal Spirit
The opening address to “Lord, or whoever the fuck you are” reflects a universal approach to spirituality. It acknowledges that the divine, or the guiding force of the universe, can be understood and named in countless ways. This inclusivity embraces the diversity of beliefs and experiences that make up the human tapestry.
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
In the gathering of hearts, where stories entwine,
A prayer of Thanksgiving, a moment divine.
With gratitude, we look back, on the paths we’ve roamed,
In awe of the journey, to this moment, we’ve come.
In the presence of now, with a child’s clear sight,
We embrace each moment, in gratitude’s light.
For the tapestry of life, in its intricate weave,
In Thanksgiving, we find, in Thanksgiving, we believe.
In this sacred space, where past and present meet,
We give thanks for the journey, both bitter and sweet.
For in each step and each breath, in love’s endless flow,
We find our connection, in the heart’s warm glow.
We invite your reflections on the significance of gratitude and mindfulness in acknowledging life’s journey. How do you embrace the present moment while honoring the experiences that have shaped your path?
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