Have you ever spent time in Eucharistic Adoration? What is it? In an online article on the Oblates of the Virgin Mary website, it is defined as, “During Eucharistic Adoration, the faithful pray to Jesus Christ, who is present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist, also referred to as the Blessed Sacrament, is typically kept in a tabernacle at your parish church.” Simply stated, it is spending time with Jesus, present in the Eucharist (Blessed Sacrament). As Catholics we believe in the Real Presence through transubstantiation. This means we believe in the complete change of the substance of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, even though they appear to remain the same physically.
There is Adoration and Perpetual Adoration. Adoration is simply spending time with Jesus Christ as He is present in the Blessed Sacrament. During stated Adoration hours, the Eucharist is displayed in a monstrance. This begins with a special prayer called the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and ends with Benediction. During Perpetual Adoration, the Eucharist is in constant company of the faithful, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Adoration is a Catholic tradition centered on the Real Presence of Christ. It is the opportunity to be present with Jesus Christ.
Why Spend Time with Jesus?
Recently, I have returned to the practice of Adoration. I need to recenter myself and my spirituality. I am implementing Psalm 46:11, “Be still and know that I am God!” Adoration is a great way to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ. We often set aside time for special people in our lives to build and enjoy our relationships, but seldom set aside time for Jesus. Remember James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
Other reasons to spend time with Jesus are to
- Find peace, clarity, and spiritual direction
- Open your heart to grace and transformation
- Experience personal healing
- Discover purpose
Follow Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,* and I will give you rest.” and spend time in Adoration. Spend time with Jesus, praying, listening and having a conversation with Him. Lay your troubles and your questions at His feet.
What to Do During Adoration
Many people may find Adoration awkward. We are taught to keep moving and keep doing. It has always been difficult for me to just sit and be. I have started spending weekly time with Jesus. I have adjusted to just being. You can too. Jesus is waiting to spend time with you. Here are some ways you can spend time with Jesus in adoration:
- Pray: spontaneous like having a conversation or traditional prayers such as the Rosary or Divine Mercy
- Read: Sacred Scripture, spiritual classics, or lives of the saints (I like to read books by the Catholic author, Matthew Kelly.)
- Listen: be silent and attentive to the Holy Spirit’s whispers
- Journal: reflections, prayers, and inner stirrings
- Reflect: on purpose, vocation, identity in Christ
iBelieve.com offers some prayers for Adoration. Check them out here. Here are also a couple of scripture verses to pray with at the beginning of your Adoration time:
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path,” Psalm 119:105
“So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” 1 Samuel 3:9
Where and How to Find Adoration
If you want to spend time in Adoration, your local Catholic church is the first place to look. Jesus should never be left alone so Perpetual Adoration can be difficult to find. Look for Holy Hours or Adoration. Start by checking your parish bulletin and website. If your parish does not offer a time that works for you, a simple internet search will help. Other sources to check are:
- Diocesan directories
- Apps like “Mass Times” or “MyParish”
- Websites with an emphasis on Eucharistic Adoration like weadorehim.com
Know that you can drop into Adoration at any time it is available. Jesus would love to spend some time with you. The invitation is yours to accept.
How Adoration Aligns with Purpose and Self-Actualization
I often talk about becoming the person God created you to be. Just like knowing your parents helps you to define who you are, knowing Jesus and spending time with Him will help you know the person God created you to be. During Adoration, your identity is revealed as your relationship deepens. Your call to love and serve is also communicated during this time. It helps you to strengthen virtues like patience, humility and courage.
Spending time with Jesus invites alignment with God’s will. We are not self-made, but we are God-formed. Just like Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” The Eucharist becomes the fuel for living purposefully and Adoration helps to keep us on the right path. “Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart’s desire.” Psalm 37:4
Start Now
You don’t need to start spending hours in Adoration. Start with 10–15 minutes if that is all you can do. The more time you give, the more clarity and peace you’ll receive. Use a mixture of the activities listed above, beginning with a prayer to open your mind and heart so you can be ready for what Jesus desires to share with you.
God desires time with you. He offers a sacred invitation to become fully who He created you to be. Find guidance, rest and peace in Adoration. Jesus is calling.
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