Psalm 46:11 Matthew 26:40 John 15:7
I first got introduced to Adoration when I was in college. It was held every Wednesday inside the campus chapel. I had no idea what to do at first because it was so quiet. Everything I learned up to that point involved either reading the Bible or saying a lot of prayers. Adoration was the first time I was in a completely silent situation. Although I’ve read about meditation in my high school days, I never thought that there was a place for silent meditation in my own faith.
Mother Teresa, of course, knew the power of silence:
“In the silence of the heart God speaks. If you face God in prayer and silence, God will speak to you. Then you will know that you are nothing. It is only when you realize your nothingness, your emptiness, that God can fill you with Himself. Souls of prayer are souls of great silence. The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace.”
In the short four years I spent, I went to Adoration almost every week. I always felt a sense of peace whenever I was there. After I graduated college, I went to Adoration in my parish and in other churches in my area. Many religious orders have perpetual adoration in which the Host is in the monstrance 24/7. Yes, there are people out there spending time with Jesus at 2 in the morning. If you ever need a place to go after closing time, now you know.
Today I challenge you to spend one hour in Adoration. If you’re not sure what exactly you should do in Adoration, start with this verse:
“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:11
Josemaria Escriva said,
“When you approach the Tabernacle, know that He has been waiting for you for twenty centuries.”
St. Francis de Sales said,
“Every one of us needs a half hour of prayer a day, except when we are busy-then we need an hour.”
Given that most of us lead busy lives, it’s no wonder that Jesus asks,
“Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?” Matthew 26:40
But if you’re still at a loss and aren’t ready for completely emptying your mind in silence just yet, no need to worry. St. Clare of Assisi has a four step process that you can also try. First, spend some time just gazing at the Host. We don’t get the opportunity to see the Host for a long period of time and Adoration gives us a chance to do just that. Secondly, offer up your prayer intentions. It’s a huge relief to give your problems and burdens over to God. Third, pray. You can reflect on the Bible meditations we’ve read so far or pray the Liturgy of the Hours. When I was in college, I spent half an hour praying the Rosary and the other half doing spiritual reading or journaling. Sometimes, I would pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Finally, allow God to enter your life and leave with a sense of gratitude. These four steps can easily be broken up into fifteen minute intervals, giving you the most out of your hour.
I pray that you gain many graces from spending time with Our Lord. God bless, dearest sisters in Christ!
