An Adoration Question

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melissa09

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I just started going to Adoration at a regularly scheduled time. Before that I just went whenever I felt like it, but I believe I needed to do something more. 6 am once a week was the only time I could completely commt going, but I’m having a few problems. A few times I’ve gone and either haven’t gotten enough sleep or am drowsy and this affects me a lot. I never have fallen asleep, but I get so tired that I feel myself nodding off, I don’t ever actually do so I think, but I do lose a lot of focus. Is this a sin - in my scrupulis mind I try to say its mortal - but I dont know. Keep in mind I’m not trying to keep a habit of doing this. I dont want to be sleepy when I’m spending time with Jesus and I really am not trying to disrespect Him - i love spending time in Adoration and it has increased my faith tremendously and I do respect the Eucharist, I really want it to be quality time - but now I feel horrible when I go and am sleepy. I know one solution is to switch times - which I’m going to look into after my schedule changes - but right now I just need to know how bad of a sin this is…and maybe a few suggestions to fix it
 
One option would be to call a substitute when you know you won’t be able to get enough sleep.
The Lord wants you to get your needed sleep.
 
melissa09 said:
I just started going to Adoration at a regularly scheduled time. Before that I just went whenever I felt like it, but I believe I needed to do something more. 6 am once a week was the only time I could completely commt going, but I’m having a few problems. A few times I’ve gone and either haven’t gotten enough sleep or am drowsy and this affects me a lot. I never have fallen asleep, but I get so tired that I feel myself nodding off, I don’t ever actually do so I think, but I do lose a lot of focus. Is this a sin - in my scrupulis mind I try to say its mortal - but I dont know. Keep in mind I’m not trying to keep a habit of doing this. I dont want to be sleepy when I’m spending time with Jesus and I really am not trying to disrespect Him - i love spending time in Adoration and it has increased my faith tremendously and I do respect the Eucharist, I really want it to be quality time - but now I feel horrible when I go and am sleepy. I know one solution is to switch times - which I’m going to look into after my schedule changes - but right now I just need to know how bad of a sin this is…and maybe a few suggestions to fix it
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no its not a sin to fall asleep while adoring Jesus in the blessed sacrament.
 
You’re doing your part by just being there with Jesus. Some of the greatest saints (St. Therese of Lisieux jumps to my mind) fell asleep or were groggy during prayer. You are human. Just that you made the commitment to go on a weekly basis is really good. I know that when I go, I can’t always pray, I just like to be there. It happened to me yesterday. I’m very excited about something that’s happening in 2 days, so it was VERY difficult for me to calm down. I made the resolution to not let it bother me. Jesus knew my heart and knew what I wanted to say.

Don’t let your scruples get the best of you. It is not a sin to be tired EVER. 👍
 
Do not trouble yourself about it.

Being with the Lord can be incredibly peaceful. It is no wonder one might at times wish to nap.

There is nothing sinful about sleeping in the presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. In fact, I think it must be the safest place to sleep in the world. I wish I could at the moment, do so.

It is good to keep vigils, it is also good to sleep.
 
I see lots of people fall asleep while in the Adoration Chapel. When we’re all so used to busy, crazy, noisy, chaotic, scary, activity-filled lives, it’s not surprising that a quiet hour of silence and peace will put us to sleep. It makes me wish that even when I’m not in the Actual Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, that I could be in His Presence in my soul and rest in Him all the time.

If you can switch your time, do so. I used to do a five A.M. Holy Hour, but after my first surgery, I found that getting up that early was not good at all. So I go in the afternoon or evening now and I generally am more awake.
 
I had someone once tell me that being sleepy near the Blessed Sacrament is easy because you’re there in the arms of your Savior.
 
First off all, good for you for making a commitment that you must have known would be a sacrifice to keep. I’m sure it crossed your mind that this might not be a piece of cake when you started. Hang in there.

To fall asleep before the Blessed Sacrament is the same as a distraction of the mind, only it is your body checking out on you, instead of your thoughts. Don’t do violence to yourself; just gently get your attention back where it belongs as best as you can.

If this were happening because you don’t take the time seriously, that would be another matter. As long as you make an effort to be as well-rested as you can and don’t plan on using it as an opportunity to sleep or indulge yourself, then you should not punish yourself if you unintentionally nod off or even if you come in knowing that you have not having rested as much as you would like. The “re-charging” that comes with re-connecting with the Lord does NOT count as a self-indulgence, but as appropriate self-care, just as the effort to get enough sleep so that you can be alert at 6 am is appropriate self-care.

If it is a realistic goal, you might get more out of your 6 am weekly time slot if you make that a daily time starting time for your morning prayer, so your body is more used to being awake at that time. That may or may not work for you, though. That is OK, too. It’s just a thought that might work out to enhance your weekly hour.
 
bethndanny said:
I had someone once tell me that being sleepy near the Blessed Sacrament is easy because you’re there in the arms of your Savior.
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I don’t know the exact quote but St.Therese of Liseux the little flower said she didn’t feel bad falling asleep during prayer because she was in the arms of Jesus.
 
Friends,
I don’t know if this is where I should ask this but I have been reading a story of a soul off and on for awhile now and recently saw a show on EWTN discussing adoration.
I have never gone and recently learned about it. I have only found one church in my area that has it from 9 am. to midnight. I am a working mommy to a 2 year old so I need to figure out how and when I can go. I have this feeling like I need to go.
Just wanted to share and get any suggestions too.🙂
blessings to all,
eli
 
If you have a supportive family member or spouse at home to watch your child - and if the Adoration Chapel is in a safe area! - it can be so peaceful to go to Adoration after the little one is asleep. It also gives some time to quietly and prayerfully process everything that has happened to you over the week!

I have also brought my active 2 yr old to Benediction when the times were more appropriate for this. It was precious to have a special time when my child was welcomed so exquisitely into the Presence of the Lord.
 
Our Chapel Newsletter had an article about the blessing of bringing your children to adoration. Ours has a shelf of books and rosaries just for the kids 🙂

And for the OP who is worried about being sleepy… I remember a sweet nun who used to fall asleep during Adoration. She would say “I am taking a nap with Jesus”.
 
eli1118 said:
Friends,
I don’t know if this is where I should ask this but I have been reading a story of a soul off and on for awhile now and recently saw a show on EWTN discussing adoration.
I have never gone and recently learned about it. I have only found one church in my area that has it from 9 am. to midnight. I am a working mommy to a 2 year old so I need to figure out how and when I can go. I have this feeling like I need to go.
Just wanted to share and get any suggestions too.🙂
blessings to all,
eli
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I highly reccomend adoration for children, at certain times etc. Fr Antoine is great for info on adoration and children, I have seen him on EWTN and he is so inspiriing, he shows his love at adoration and the children gleen it from him, and it will surely be the same with parents as the first teachers. All the things I never knew or did when my kids were young, I so regret and much guilt. So make the best of those heaven sent formative years. God Bless.
 
melissa09 said:
I just started going to Adoration at a regularly scheduled time. Before that I just went whenever I felt like it, but I believe I needed to do something more. 6 am once a week was the only time I could completely commt going, but I’m having a few problems. A few times I’ve gone and either haven’t gotten enough sleep or am drowsy and this affects me a lot. I never have fallen asleep, but I get so tired that I feel myself nodding off, I don’t ever actually do so I think, but I do lose a lot of focus. Is this a sin - in my scrupulis mind I try to say its mortal - but I dont know. Keep in mind I’m not trying to keep a habit of doing this. I dont want to be sleepy when I’m spending time with Jesus and I really am not trying to disrespect Him - i love spending time in Adoration and it has increased my faith tremendously and I do respect the Eucharist, I really want it to be quality time - but now I feel horrible when I go and am sleepy. I know one solution is to switch times - which I’m going to look into after my schedule changes - but right now I just need to know how bad of a sin this is…and maybe a few suggestions to fix it
Click to expand...
No! Not at all! You bring so much joy and pleasure to the sweet Heart of Jesus by your intention and by your setting aside this time just for Him, you cannot conceive of it! He waits, anxiously and in great anticipation as your hour approaches; He longs so much for you! The soul never sleeps and your soul and Jesus are together, regardless of what your body is doing. Sometimes we just can’t help the weaknesses of our human bodies, but Jesus does not mind at all. He understands. His joy at your presence outweighs anything else.

As a regular adorer myself, in various adoration programs in various cities and states over the past 15+ years of my life, I can guarantee you, absolutely, that your incredible union with the present, risen Lord is not affected by any bodily weaknesses, be they headaches, toothaches, distractions or sleep. Sometimes, the Lord, Himself, sends the relaxation and sleep as His gift to us in our busy lives and need for rest…because He knows that His loving communication and powerful grace operates in any and all circumstances.

Congratulations to you for taking an assigned hour! What a lovely and loving way to show Jesus how much you love Him and want to love Him even more deeply. He will not disappoint. It is impossible to outdo God in generosity or to trust Him too much!

keep up the great work and sacrifice of love - and remember all of us here at CAF to Him in His Eucharistic presence when you next see Him!!
🙂
 
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