Eucharistic Adoration is the adoration of Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist. In the many Churches that have this adoration, the Eucharist is displayed in a special holder called a monstrance, and people come to pray and worship Jesus continually throughout the day and often the night. Christ’s great love for us was shown when he was crucified on the cross to pay for our sins and give us eternal life. He loves us without limit, and offers Himself to us in the Holy sacrament of the Eucharist. Can we not give Jesus a few minutes of love and adoration in return?
Five Ways to be Successful in Adoration
Have you ever gone to adoration? Have you tried, but felt defeated like I first did, and occasionally still do? Here’s a list of 5 ways to be successful in adoration:
- Be Patient-I was recently talking with a group of friends about their experiences of adoration and a lot of them expressed the same frustration-that sometimes, time seems to stand still, a few minutes seem eternal! Have you ever been out of shape and tried to go for a run, suddenly, five minutes into the run, you’re huffing and puffing and you realize you’ve only gone one block? We tend to focus on the defeat. Adoration can be a bit of a work out… for your soul. So set yourself up for success and slowly increase your time-you’ll be amazed at how God increases your capacity to be with Him!
- Bring Scripture-Reading scripture is always a good thing, but is especially helpful and meditative during adoration. There are many prayer books and apps that contain daily scripture readings. I particularly like reading the Psalms and reflecting on a verse that speaks to me on that given day.
- Pray the Rosary-The rosary is a beautiful prayer, one that many saints have prayed. St. Louis de Montfort said “When the Holy Rosary is said well, it gives Jesus and Mary more glory and is more meritorious than any other prayer.” What better way to give Jesus and Mary glory than to pray the rosary in front of the Blessed Sacrament?
- Listen to Praise and Worship Music-When I’m the only one in the Church, I love to start Adoration by listening to praise and worship music. “Restless” and “I Shall Not Want” by Audrey Assad. The music and the lyrics help me quiet myself and turn my thoughts to God.
- Be Okay with Silence-It’s not easy to go a whole day without silence; we have music in our car, we have our phones and television available throughout the day. Even if we are in a quiet environment, we are usually accustomed to checking our phones for anything. In Audrey Assad’s “Restless” she sings “And I’m restless, I’m restless, ‘Til I rest in You.” I find this sentiment to be so true when I am in adoration. Sure, the first few minutes I am restless as I begin to wind down, but eventually am filled with insurmountable peace. Allow yourself to sit in silence and to just be with Jesus. In an apparition to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus spoke these beautiful words: “I have a burning thirst to be honored by men in the Blessed Sacrament.” Go to adoration, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. Jesus desires to be with you, to have you gaze upon Him, as He so lovingly gazes upon you.
– Christina Garni
For information about Eucharistic Adoration at St. Francis Borgia, see the Eucharistic Adoration page.