What is eucharistic adoration and what do I do during adoration?

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament is happening more and more around our diocese and throughout United States, thanks be to God! How awesome it is to see faithful souls devoted to a weekly holy hour? Even so, unfortunately many Catholics still don’t know what it is or what to do when they are in the presence of Jesus.

When I was about 12 years old I was much like most Catholics who don't understand the value of adoration. Real “tragedy” struck when on the first Friday of July that year my mother told me I had to spend an hour in adoration before I could go swimming at the community swimming pool.

I remember how distraught I was as I entered the church almost completely empty except for an old lady and a few of my fellow captives, I mean, my brothers and sisters. The first 10 minutes were the most painful. I was constantly thinking of the beautiful swimming pool I was not able to swim in, but instead, I was stuck at church.

Then my mind began to clear and I realized where I was, in the presence of almighty God. His presence revealed my selfishness. In fact, when I began to consider the fact that I was in the presence of His Divine Majesty, the whole church became, for me, like an amazing pool of grace. Believe me, I was extremely happy when the holy hour was up and I could dive into the swimming pool outside, but something in my heart changed forever. I realized there was an infinite amount of incredible, phenomenal, untold, mind-blowing graces available at the church every day.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament is a time we Catholics (or anyone with a prayerful heart) take to worship the true God in the person of Jesus Christ Who is really, truly present in the eucharistic host. Catholics usually make what is known as a holy hour to honor Jesus' heartfelt request to His closest disciples during His lonely agony in the garden, "Could you not spend one hour with me?"

Perhaps you've stayed for a few moments of adoration at your parish and then left, or maybe you pondered taking a holy hour each week, but, like me, you hesitated—thinking of all the other things you could be doing.
 
Here are some ideas about how to spend your time in adoration. First of all, don't worry about what you are to say, simply be in the presence of Jesus. That is pretty mind-blowing stuff in and of itself.
 
Second, call to mind your sins or sufferings and ask Jesus to have mercy on you. Great healing is available to those who come to adoration.
 
Third, are you thankful for anything? Think of each person or thing in your life you are thankful for and thank Jesus for each one.
 
Fourth read a little of the Sacred Scriptures and pause quietly to think in your heart what it means. The holy rosary and our Blessed Mother can be very helpful when doing this. Listen to what Jesus is saying to you. After all, He is truly present in front of you.
 
Lastly, I remind you of the first advice, be in the presence of Jesus and look at Him. The catechism of the Catholic Church tells the beautiful short story of St. John Vianney who was amazed that one of his parishioners would spend such long hours in front of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He said to him, “What do you do in adoration?” The man simply responded, “I look at Him and He looks at me.”  
 
Ave Maria!
 
Fr. Gardner is pastor of St. Peter in Fort Yates and the Catholic Indian Mission, as well as the satellite parishes in Cannon Ball, Porcupine, Selfridge and Solen. If you have a question you were afraid to ask, now is the time to ask it! Simply email your question to info@bismarckdiocese.com with the “Question Afraid to Ask” in the subject line.