The Manifest Presence of God

What Jesus’ Prayer Teaches Us About Everyday Awareness

“Our Father, who art in heaven...” These are some of the most familiar words in Scripture. But what if their power lies not in repetition, but in recognition? What if this ancient prayer is an invitation to become awake to the most real—and most overlooked—presence in our lives?

Let’s begin with a simple parable.

What the Heck Is Water?

Two young fish are swimming along when they pass an older fish who nods and says, “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” The younger fish keep swimming. Then one turns to the other and asks, “What the heck is water?”

That story makes us laugh because it’s true. We often miss what’s right in front of us. We rush, fix, scroll, perform, and worry—forgetting we’re actually swimming in the presence of God every moment of every day.

This is why Jesus began his famous prayer not with a request, but with a reminder:

“Our Father who art in heaven.”

God is not distant. God is present.
And when we become aware of that presence, everything changes.

Reframing Identity: You Belong to God

The prayer begins not with my Father, but our Father. That subtle shift reminds us: we belong to God—and to one another.

“Our Father” is more than a title; it reframes our identity. We’re not defined by performance, productivity, or popularity. We are beloved children of God. That is our truest self.

Christian author Curt Thompson puts it beautifully:

“We are all born looking for someone who is looking for us.”

God is that Someone. Always looking. Always loving. Always near.
You may lose your place in a group or fall out of favor with people, but you will never lose your place in God’s heart.

And that kind of belonging? It brings peace. It builds resilience. It anchors us with security that no circumstance can shake.

Renewing Perspective: Heaven Is Closer Than You Think

Jesus goes on:

“Our Father, who art in heaven.”

We often think of heaven as far away, but in Scripture, heaven is God’s realm overlapping our world. It’s not out there—it’s right here. The problem is not God's absence but our inattention.

Think of the stars: in a city filled with artificial lights, it’s hard to see them. But out in the countryside—under a dark, quiet sky—they shine in full brilliance. The stars were always there. You just needed stillness to see them.

The presence of God is the same way. Always here. Always shining.
Our task is to pause, to turn down the noise, to notice.

The manifest presence of God is when your awareness joins reality.

Reorienting Priorities: From Performance to Presence

The prayer continues:

“Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done.”

As we awaken to God’s presence, we begin to want what God wants.
We stop using prayer to hand God our to-do list. We start asking,
“God, what are You doing in the world today—and how can I join You?”

We move from performance to presence. From self-focus to God-focus.
From anxiety to alignment.

There’s a famous quote from author David Foster Wallace that says:

“If you worship money and things… you will never feel you have enough. Worship beauty and you’ll always feel ugly. Worship power and you will feel weak and afraid… Worship your intellect and you will end up feeling like a fraud.”

The truth is: everyone worships something.
And only the worship of God will not destroy you.

Jesus teaches us to pray not to say the right words, but to become the right kind of people. Prayer reshapes our loves, realigns our priorities, and reminds us what matters most.

A Spiritual Practice for Your Week

What if this week, you slowed down and let this prayer guide your day?

  • Morning: Start with “Our Father who art in heaven.” Say it slowly. Let it remind you of who you are—and whose you are.

  • Midday: Pause to say “Hallowed be Your name.” Let it center you.

  • Evening: As you lay your head down, whisper “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” Release the day into God's hands.

Remember this: you are not alone. You are swimming in the presence of God.
Even when you can’t see it. Even when you forget.

Closing Thought: We Are Not Fish Out of Water

We are surrounded by God’s love. We live and move and have our being in Him.

Let’s remind one another of that truth. Let’s help each other notice the stars.
Let’s be a people who remember:

God is not distant. God is present. And when we become aware of God’s manifest presence—everything changes.

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Inner Life, Outer Life