Eucharistic Adoration is the time when Catholics gather to worship Jesus, present in His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in a Consecrated Host which has been placed in a Monstrance for all present to adore.

The Importance of Eucharistic Adoration

The importance of Eucharistic Adoration is shown in the fact that the Church has a ritual that regulates it: the Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. This is an extension of the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament which occurs in every Mass: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament flows from the sacrifice of the Mass and serves to deepen our hunger for Communion with Christ and the rest of the Church. The Rite concludes with the ordained minister blessing the faithful with the Blessed Sacrament.

The Keys to Eucharistic Adoration

1. Build Your Practice
Sitting in silence can be challenge for our modern, noisy world.  Be patient with your practice of Adoration.  Start by spending 5 minutes sitting alone with Jesus then slowly increase your time each week.  This spiritual exercise, like physical exercise, requires increasing practice and dedication.

2. Bring Scripture
There are many prayer books and apps that contain daily scripture readings. Publications like Magnificat and Our Daily Bread are a great resource to take with you to Adoration.  As you read the scripture, ask yourself:  How is this scripture speaking to my heart? What changes is God asking me to take? How will I go about making those changes? Then, use the sacred silence to listen for answers.

3. Listen to Praise and Worship Music
Listening to praise and worship music is a great way to quiet yourself, turn your thoughts to God and prepare your heart.

4. Pray the Rosary (or another contemplative prayer)
As Catholics, we are blessed with sacred prayers such as the Rosary.  The power and promise of this prayer can have a significant impact on your spiritual life.  As with scripture, there are many guides and apps that can help guide you through this form of prayer.