Q's about Eucharistic Adoration?

[ready]

I have really enjoyed reading these posts. I too spend time in adoration, at least an hour in front of the tabernacle or the Blessed Sacrament exposed on Mondays - Saturdays. I like being with God and just letting him communicate in the depths of my soul. When I am moved to speak I speak to Him. I pray “ACTS”: prayers of adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication. I just like it when he operates on my soul and I can feel Him inside of me communicating and performing his holy operations. It is great! Sometimes I read some of the Bible, and if I want to pray a chaplet or rosary I do that as well, though lately I’ve been doing those prayers on my way to Church and back home. Mostly I am in quiet contemplative prayer, when I am not speaking to God vocally.

 

[wgholland]

I am glad that this thread is of value and is resonating. I truly have felt, outside of the people I see coming and going to adoration, kind of alone in my devotion. Not alone with Jesus, of course, but wondering what other people do, am I overlooking something, am I making this up in my head?? this closeness that I feel…the incredible love that I feel…acceptance…so I want to encourage anyone reading these and not posting, to do so.

Don’t worry if it’s repetitious or if you have a question that you think silly…I promise it has occurred to others I am sure…pls ask. I so want to encourage those being drawn by Him to continue to seek Him and reading your posts have given me courage to persist as well.

Many people have never experienced adoration in any way really b/c of uncertainty. Maybe they’ve gone once or twice and it was stale to them and that is understandable as well. Or maybe they were at a Benediction and were just experiencing that for the first time but had an incredible feeling and don’t know what to do next. See I had no idea that everyone was not called to every devotion. That sounds sophmoric I realize, but I felt behind the curve b/c I had no devotion so to speak…or so I thought. Also, at times I feel who am I to seek to be in His presence? How can I be an instrument for redemptive purposes? Ah but we can be. So this thought will lead to my next post…so much to share and discover.

Our God calls each of us to holiness (closeness with God) in different and varying ways. Some devotions appeal to one soul or another and those are useful tools for us to dig deeper into our purpose as we are co-redeemers with Christ.

 

[wgholland]

**I had a thought based on my previous post, and that is what, if any, effect has adoration had on your frequency of receiving the sacrament of confession? How has that affected your adoration “results” if you will? How do you feel the two are related?

I’m interested to hear your thoughts and I’ll await some responses. This might be of interest to those who have had a calling but only a so-so experience during adoration or afterward.**

 

[ready]

The Pope earlier had called for “Spiritual Mothers” to devote an hour of adoration for a priest and his vocation. I do this for an old Spiritual Director I had. I pray every Mon. through Sat. for at least an hour in quiet adoration (sometimes Sun) for the priest and his vocation. But I offer up prayers during this hour for everybody I know, including the people who ask for prayers on the Prayer Intention Forum, and for all society in general. I know God hears me when I pray for everybody, and I know that that hour devoted to this priest and his vocation is giving the priest (and others) many blessings. Even when I am not speaking a word to God, I know the hour spent in His company is gaining merit and graces for all kinds of souls to benefit by. I love it when I don’t have words and can just communicate heart to heart with him in my soul with the help of the Holy Spirit. I feel His presence in me and I take it with me everywhere after adoration.

 

[Monica4316]

I am glad that this thread is of value and is resonating. I truly have felt, outside of the people I see coming and going to adoration, kind of alone in my devotion. Not alone with Jesus, of course, but wondering what other people do, am I overlooking something, am I making this up in my head?? this closeness that I feel…the incredible love that I feel…acceptance…so I want to encourage anyone reading these and not posting, to do so.

no, you’re not making it up at all! I feel the same way… it’s funny the first time I went to Adoration I could barely stay for 10 minutes. But the next day, I really wanted to go back, and didn’t even know why lol! And ever since then I’ve been going… I’m a university student so usually it’s in the evenings after my classes, I go to Vespers and then stay with Jesus for a while - before the Tabernacle… then when I can, I go to Adoration. It’s really wonderful I can’t really describe it.

I’ve found it actually gets better with time. If you go twice, you might notice something, or you might not. But regardless, just keep on coming back. After a hundred times, you’ll for sure notice something, and I’m not even talking about feelings here, but you’ll notice a change in your soul.

“Nothing is more pleasing to God than unshaken faith and confidence in the midst of darkness. Make a great practice of acts of confidence even when you feel nothing. It is just in these moments of dryness and darkness that these acts are most meritorious.”
Blessed Columba Marmion

This was in my inbox from Women of Grace Lines April 2…thought it might be encouraging for all of us in some way.

that is so true! thank you for sharing this!

**I had a thought based on my previous post, and that is what, if any, effect has adoration had on your frequency of receiving the sacrament of confession? How has that affected your adoration “results” if you will? How do you feel the two are related?

I’m interested to hear your thoughts and I’ll await some responses. This might be of interest to those who have had a calling but only a so-so experience during adoration or afterward.**

I’m becoming Catholic this Easter so I haven’t been to Confession yet… my first Confession is on Wednesday but I just wanted to say that sometimes when I’m at Adoration, I really feel the need to go to Confession. So they are probably related in some way… it’s Jesus bringing us closer to Himself in the Sacraments…

I read once that Adoration helps us appreciate the Mass more the more time we spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, the more we know ‘how’ to receive HIm.

 

[wgholland]

** I have often heard Jesus asking and reminding me to get to confession more frequently. I went from two to three times/year to every other month. Once I made that commitment to do that, my own time spent in adoration and I think the growth of my soul increased tremendously. He is always such a gentleman to give us open invitation.

It kind of makes sense, since we cannot enter heaven until purified, that our state of purity of heart can affect the time we spend with Him here on earth. So you may want to consult the Ultimate Physician as to what He feels would be best for you. I know in my own life, so many things improved. It was as if the invitation was given to me, as I have felt the Holy Spirit nudge me on so many occasions.

Mind you this is just an idea…

I would like to ask Ready to reiterate the request of the Pope…I think I hastened past it and didn’t apply it so could you bring that up again so we could all see how we can possibly adopt that? Maybe point us to a link if you have one. My March has been a whirlwind and it came and went. **

 

[ready]

I love the sacrament of Confession. I go as frequently as my SD allows me to.

 

[wgholland]

**Wow, that is so cool to hear b/c as of late I’m all about it also. I will have gone twice in March and I’m ready to go again at our parish reconciliation service. It is such a huge sacrament for me where I meet Christ and experience Him so plainly. I am a big advocate, when I can insert it!! Ha!!

Tell me, my spiritual director has never given me advice on this matter, is there some frequency that is seen as optimum?

**

 

[ready]

**Wow, that is so cool to hear b/c as of late I’m all about it also. I will have gone twice in March and I’m ready to go again at our parish reconciliation service. It is such a huge sacrament for me where I meet Christ and experience Him so plainly. I am a big advocate, when I can insert it!! Ha!!

Tell me, my spiritual director has never given me advice on this matter, is there some frequency that is seen as optimum?

**

Usually once a month or once a week. If you are scrupulous this will have an effect on how soon he will see you…for your own benefit.

 

[Sunflower15]

I am so happy to hear that others feel the same!

I also pray ACTS sometimes. And, at our parish, we have “guest books” where we sign if we pray for Vocations, as well for an end to Abortion.

In addition, I have learned how important it is to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, who can pray for us but not for themselves. I certainly want as many as possible to reach their final destination so they can better intercede for all of us sinners.

Sometimes, when possible, I also like to go to church earlier or stay later, so that I can pray facing the Tabernacle. It’s just a little more distracting there because of the size of the church and the flow of traffic, as compared to the quiet little Chapel.

Yes, adoration leads to more frequent Confession and reception of the Eucharist! As well as to a deeper spiritual understanding of the immense gift that Jesus gave us in the Eucharist.

I doubt that any frequent adorer needs a theological explanation of the benefits of the Eucharist!

 

[sawman]

Dear all,
I responded earlier about not being able to experience a sense of His presence during adoration. While reading these posts though some things have come to mind . One is that I really did notice a difference in my spiritual life in general and with confession in particular. I also experienced a longing or missing Him when I would leave, as well as an anticipation when on my way to adoration.

Its funny the tricks my mind can play with memory. This thread has brought to mind things that were forgotten and has served to spur me to seek out adoration at my new parish.

As far as confession goes, I try to go about once a month or twice. More than that encourages me to scrupulosity. Thank you all for your sharing and encouragement.

 

[ready]

Dear all,
I responded earlier about not being able to experience a sense of His presence during adoration. While reading these posts though some things have come to mind . One is that I really did notice a difference in my spiritual life in general and with confession in particular. I also experienced a longing or missing Him when I would leave, as well as an anticipation when on my way to adoration.

Its funny the tricks my mind can play with memory. This thread has brought to mind things that were forgotten and has served to spur me to seek out adoration at my new parish.

As far as confession goes, I try to go about once a month or twice. More than that encourages me to scrupulosity. Thank you all for your sharing and encouragement.

Thank You!

 

[Sunflower15]

…often have a prayer time for those intentions of Jesus and our Holy Father (which I’m never quite sure of) along with my own or friends…

At the start of my prayers, after my greeting, I always state my intention to pray for…[this list has grown considerably over time!] “Our Holy Father & the Magisterium, all Deacons & Priests, all Brothers & Sisters, all Religious & Secular Orders [and 3rd Orders], all Adorers & Missionaries, all who work & attend at Catholic institutions & Vocations, all who work or are in prisons & hospitals, my parents & children,
…for their Holiness & Spiritual Development; for their Health & Safety; for their Families & Intentions…and for a culture of Life in our world.”
Then, I begin my prayers.

Sometimes, while praying, I remember someone [sometimes a friend or a VERY random person I have seen but don’t even know the name of!] and when that happens…I keep praying while visualizing the following images entering their hearts/chest:
a monstrance with the Eucharist, a Rosary & Mary, an open Bible with a Holy Spirit dove over it, the Divine Mercy Jesus, the Sacred Heart Jesus, then I go on to the next person that pops up in my head. I also always include each of my sons and my parents in this visualization.

It is a lot of work at times! Praying is very hard work! Sometimes I feel exhausted and need to take a “break” and just relax with Him.

It is like a marriage…you have very intense moments, but sometimes you also share that you have to take the car to the mechanic, or are worried about the kids’ being sick, [a “to do” list], you tell Him what worries you, what made you happy, how much you need these talks!, and then some more intense moments, etc.

Plus you might open yourself to the guidance of our Holy Mother who has gently guided my hands to a more correct prayer position as well as my whole body to bow before our King. Good mothers continue to correct and guide and ours is extreme. She is constantly working to bring us to her Son!

Yes, Our Lady seems to be very active at Adoration Chapels! She seems to lead us to better adoration of her beloved Son. At the beginning, I just knelt upon entering & leaving, but now, I always bow until my head touches the floor & say the Jesus Prayer: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Sometimes, I also say the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I Trust in You…or Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison, Kyrie Eleison’

 

[wgholland]

In addition, I have learned how important it is to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, who can pray for us but not for themselves. I certainly want as many as possible to reach their final destination so they can better intercede for all of us sinners

**I think Sunflower posted this…

this occurred with me also. Were you led to pursue this, or did someone say, “You should really pray for the souls in purgatory.”? This was really one of my first leadings by the Holy Spirit is why I ask. I’m curious. I’m seeing quite a few common themes among our posts, and that is making me smile if it is things given or shown to us by our Lord and how fascinating that we can be gleaning so many similar things…awesome!!! Can we all be receiving the same instruction at diff bits and pieces as we are able??

I re-read the entire thread, amazing…**

 

[wgholland]

Please let me also thank the contributor of this fab link on quotes on the Most Blessed Sacrament…

I may have to print some of those to meditate on.

 

[Sunflower15]

Dear all,
I responded earlier about not being able to experience a sense of His presence during adoration. While reading these posts though some things have come to mind . One is that I really did notice a difference in my spiritual life in general and with confession in particular. I also experienced a longing or missing Him when I would leave, as well as an anticipation when on my way to adoration.

Its funny the tricks my mind can play with memory. This thread has brought to mind things that were forgotten and has served to spur me to seek out adoration at my new parish.

As far as confession goes, I try to go about once a month or twice. More than that encourages me to scrupulosity. Thank you all for your sharing and encouragement.

Isn’t that funny? It’s similar to the famous “footprints prayer”…one doesn’t notice Him until one realizes He was SO close, we couldn’t even see Him…

Well, yep, you’re hooked! Once you experience the “longing” and the “anticipation”, there is no turning back!

I even notice, when I get out of the car to walk towards the Chapel, I’m practically sprinting! ~lol

 

[Sunflower15]

In addition, I have learned how important it is to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, who can pray for us but not for themselves. I certainly want as many as possible to reach their final destination so they can better intercede for all of us sinners

**I think Sunflower posted this…

this occurred with me also. Were you led to pursue this, or did someone say, “You should really pray for the souls in purgatory.”? This was really one of my first leadings by the Holy Spirit is why I ask. I’m curious. I’m seeing quite a few common themes among our posts, and that is making me smile if it is things given or shown to us by our Lord and how fascinating that we can be gleaning so many similar things…awesome!!! Can we all be receiving the same instruction at diff bits and pieces as we are able??

I re-read the entire thread, amazing…**

Well, no one led me to the Chapel, nor to the prayers, nor the intentions…other than those binders that have prayers to choose from or the guest books for those who pray for Vocations or Pro-Life.

I have felt the need to pray for others [as they pop into my head], and for Holy Souls in Purgatory [frankly, never really did this before going to Adoration]. I also started praying along with or through the intercessions of St. Michael Archangel, Padre Pio, St. Anthony of Padua [never had really paid attention to him before], Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Infant of Prague…of which I know very little…thought I love the image of the Child King of Peace!

I don’t know if those are common or not. Since we are looking for commonalities…

 

[wgholland]

[frankly, never really did this before going to Adoration].

**I’m finding this quite amazing b/c so many of the things that I’ve been drawn to, have happened since I begun Adoration. I’ve had this intense desire to find all I can find regarding purgatory and pray for the souls there intensely. I’ve been given the desire to learn abt the Divine Mercy, which I had no idea of sadly, but did engross myself in learning abt that and then passed it to my CCD kids who had heard nothing abt it either.

I wanted to say also that I love the prayer list of intentions you mentioned in your thread and the Holy Spirit has definitely helped you consolidate all of that in your heart. That is beautiful!!! **

 

[Monica4316]

I’m finding this quite amazing b/c so many of the things that I’ve been drawn to, have happened since I begun Adoration.

so true for me as well!

for example, I never really saw the point of dying to self until Adoration!

 

[Monica4316]

Dear all,
I responded earlier about not being able to experience a sense of His presence during adoration. While reading these posts though some things have come to mind . One is that I really did notice a difference in my spiritual life in general and with confession in particular. I also experienced a longing or missing Him when I would leave, as well as an anticipation when on my way to adoration.

Its funny the tricks my mind can play with memory. This thread has brought to mind things that were forgotten and has served to spur me to seek out adoration at my new parish.

As far as confession goes, I try to go about once a month or twice. More than that encourages me to scrupulosity. Thank you all for your sharing and encouragement.

that is wonderful!!