In some religions, the scope of this practice is broadened to include attentiveness to God. A breath prayer or mantra that recognizes this type of practice, yet which is also appropriate for any mindfulness exercise, is suggested by Jesus' words to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Breathing in: Remain here, mind …
Breathing out: And keep awake with me.
A Blessing for Attention
May you wake up! May you stay awake!
May you find what you did not know you were looking for.
May you be gifted a tree, one that has been on this earth a long time. A tree which is rooted in her wisdom.
May you gaze skyward past her towering, swaying branches that shelter singing birds and buzzing insects and all manner of God’s living creatures, even you.
May your arms wrap tightly around her expansive, solid girth and sink into the invitation of belonging and unity.
May your tired, anxious body find release, comfort, and rest as you surrender into her silent strength.
May you whisper to the air around and the sky above your gratitude, prayers, and wonder saying thank you, thank you, thank you for she and you are marvelously made.
May you stand, feet planted at the base of her trunk, acutely aware with all your senses of what is before, behind, below, above and within you.
May you let go of past stories and future what ifs, and be present to what is right now.
May this interconnectedness between you and her draw all your attention to the One that brought you both together in this moment.
— Kaki Grubbs, Spiritual Literacy Certificates Program, 2024 Cohort
Other Prayers
Monkey Mind
When I ask for transformation from a monkey mind, one that jumps from tree to tree and subject to subject, I am not asking for pamper camp, as though I were still a baby. I am asking for a discipline, not from the outside, but from the inside. Let me be a person who can focus on one thing at a time and is in charge of myself. Amen.
— Donna Schaper in Prayers for People Who Say They Can't Pray
