From a reader:
My confessor strongly recommended I spend time in adoration. I’ve been hesitant because I’ve never done it before, but I decided to do it tonight after Mass. I just have one problem…
What exactly am I supposed to do during that time? I assume some sort of prayers, but I don’t know too many. Is it Improper to use my iPhone to assist me?
I am glad you will be giving this a try. Good for you.
I will also ask other readers to jump in on this issue of use of the iPhone to help the experience of Eucharistic Adoration. But I will also ask them to attend to my preliminary comments.
There are different ways to spend your time before the Blessed Sacrament.
Those who are not used to extended periods of silent or still prayer may want to use pre-set, traditional prayers and spiritual reading to help them get into it and then see where it takes them.
Those who are more accustomed or inclined to contemplation or meditation will perhaps not need to start in that way.
About using the iPhone or other electronic thing. As favorable as I am toward using new tech, gadgets could still be a distraction in themselves. Yes, people can use them to help them move out of the world, as it were, or provide texts or lists of people to pray for, etc. Also, they might be a distraction to others who may get the idea that you are “playing with a gizmo” or “not paying attention to Jesus” simply because you have one in your hand.
I would try your first experiences with adoration without such an aid, at least at first. Use a book, or take a note pad. Take a Rosary.
Perhaps people who are experienced with this could chime in with their tips and observations.
UPDATE: Fuller disclosure:
When I received an advance copy of the Holy Father’s new book, in PDF, I put it on my iPad and read it in the chapel. Seemed right.
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I once devoted a blog post related to what adoration is and what do do during it:
http://scripturalrosary.blogspot.com/2007/08/defining-adoration.html
Certain types of meditations are particularly efficacious during adoration. St. Ignatius of Loyala explained that one can meditate by simply imagining oneself in the presence of the Lord in one event or another recorded in the gospels. Here are three such events I can offer in which it may be fruitful for one to imagine oneself taking part:
a) Sitting at the feet of the Lord Jesus, as did the sister Mary (Luke 10:39), simply taking in all he has to speak to you.
b) To “stay with” Jesus, like the disciples in John 1:38-39, internalizing the experience of simply being with him. With regard to the idea of simply “being with” our Lord, I am reminded of something St. John Vianney said when asked what he did while spending so much time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament: “I see Him; and he sees me.”
c) Lying close to the breat of Jesus, as did the disciple John in John 13:23,25, enjoying the closeness to the heart of our Lord, the source of divine love.
In the “gadget for prayer” category, I own and occasionally use a Kindle for prayers and devotional reading. I can attest to the fact that such a device can be a distraction for you and others if not used carefully. For instance, I will make sure if I am getting something from the internet (iBreviary, for instance) I will get that all loaded and on the page, laid out as I want it, before entering the chapel. I like it for its convenience, though I will only resort to using it if I have no other ready resource (read: book) and feel like I will need something like that.
I usually carry around a personal prayer book, so I have ready access to prayers and meditations if I want them. I think it has been one of the greatest investments I have made in my prayer life. And, nobody will likely be distracted by your using a little pocket devotional book, whereas some among my friends just don’t like seeing things like a Kindle or an iPhone in the chapel.
I have occasionally brought my iPod to read the prayers and readings from the Magnificat or to listen to sacred music on very low volume. I’ve been tempted to do a quick check of emails or weather, etc., but have managed to refrain. I originally came here to say that it would be the same as bringing a book with a home-made cover — you could be reading anything. The difference is that you can do so many more trivial things with a gadget. You can’t check your emails, weather, or social media sites with a book.
I love it for its convenience – with the iBreviary and iPieta together you have thousands of prayers plus the entire Bible, whatever seems appropriate for the day and time, more than you could carry in a book.
But, on the other hand, my husband points out that the people sitting near you at Mass or Adoration are quite likely to think you’re checking your email or cruising the internet rather than reading scripture or a devotional work.
Since you could lead people into uncharitable thoughts rather than praying . . . perhaps better not haul out the iPhone and just bring a book or two and a Rosary. I will say that – in light of 34+ years of experience – my dear husband is always right on such matters of debatable opinion.
If you decide to use an iPhone, put the screen brightness as low as you can manage. The most distracting part about having a gadget in church is the bluish glow on your face that radiating from your device. Everyone can see it.
When I use my phone during adoration or mass, I like to reduce the screen brightness, put it in to Airplane mode and hold it in a book, so a causal observer might not get distracted by my use of technology. Most people are used to me by now where I go to mass, but I like to be discreet anyway.
There are a lot of good apps that do not require Internet connectivity to function. You can download (ahead of time!) lots of great Catholic literature for free through the iBooks book store, such as St. Augustine or Chesterton, and use iBooks to read them. iMissal, which has the day’s readings and various prayers, is another good app that does not require Internet to use the content.
A question. My husband is constructing a home altar, picture of design here.
http://gladius-spiritus.blogspot.com/2011/05/home-altar.html.
he asks and I thought who better than to ask you.
Does it need to be blessed and how does go about getting it blessed before use
I have an iPhone and I take it into the chapel with me. I used to not bring it in and would leave it in the car. At some point months back, I changed. I don’t even remember why.
I have a slew of Catholic reading material and prayer aids on the phone. In fact, before I had the phone and was deciding if I should get one (not deciding if I wanted it because that was a forgone conclusion), I prayed for quite a bit to know if having the iPhone was something God wanted or only something I wanted. To make a long story short, the iPhone was soon almost handed to me and I felt I had my answer.
In those prayers I had said that if I was going to have an iPhone, I wanted it to be an aid to my spiritual life. I did not know how that would be possible at the time (this was very early and there were not the plethora of apps that there are now) but when I was so generously given the opportunity to get the iPhone, I knew I needed to keep that original intention in mind.
To make a long story short (I know, I know, it’s too late for that) I take the iPhone in and use it most times. I also bring in “real” books to read or a notepad to collect my thoughts, but, the iPhone is my most common “aid” in Adoration.
Read part of one of the Gospels. Or a couple of psalms. Or one of the shorter Epistles. Or the readings from Acts of the Easter Week Masses. Or … :D
The “Quarter of an hour before the Blessed Sacrament” from the CTS’s Simple Prayer Book. Maybe someone with a scanner could stick it up on Scribd or some such for you if you don’t have it/can’t get it (if you’re in the US). Bit cheesy/dated in tone, but good stuff.
There’s also the book used by the Missionaries of Charity, “Come to Me in the Blessed Sacrament”. Great stuff too, and more of it :)
Electronics in the Adoration Chapel distract user and non-user alike. Even canned-music should be disallowed. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46.10)
I find iPieta useful – it has a good variety of prayers, including the OF and EF Gospels for the day. As far as using the iPhone in Church, I don’t even think about checking anything else but the prayers I need. The idea of checking anything is thoroughly repugnant, thank God, so I have never tried. If you are going to use a gadget in Church, I’d recommend not sitting near anyone as they may not understand why you have it out and that could suggest bad example. I’m very self-conscious about this myself. Also remember that putting the iPhone on vibrate only silences calls, if you have alarms set, they will go off!
As far as what to do at Adoration?
Sitting in silence before the Blessed Sacrament is the most happiest spot in the world for me, over everything. There is nothing like it. Nothing.
I try to read or say vocal prayers, but the ‘tug’ to be silent and listen is way too powerful. I end up just ‘looking at Him and He at me’, waiting for that whisper that can only be heard in utter silence and stillness. Ignore the tug of worldly responsibilities and careening thoughts. Distractions, noise, and our own talking are non-stop today, even at Mass. Try nothingness and silence, not reading, not forming prayers, just listen. Time flies when motionless listening for God.
Try doing nothing.
God Bless you with success and efficacious graces.
Sitting in silence would undoubtedly be a wonderful way to spend an hour in adoration, if doing so wouldn’t cause me to vibrate out the door in under five minutes. My parish provides rosaries and reading materials, and I bring a book of prayers.
I would discourage using electronics because they might be a distraction for others, although I might whip out my phone during mass or a special service because I can’t remember a prayer.
I don’t have time right now for more detail, but basically tech is very Gnostic & ephemeral, while Catholicism is incarnational and real. Tech presents alternative unreal realities, while the Eucharist is Reality. So I’d stay with the tactile stuff, like rosaries, or a good proper codex (=book) — perhaps some Marshall McLuhan or Neil Postman:)
Hi, be sure to be in airplane mode!
Magnificat, ipieta, RC calendar and versewise bible (D.R. translation!) are all helpful apps. There’s nothing wrong with reading scripture or prayers while in adoration, nothing more wrong with e-form than paper books. But I often become aware that He wants me to stop that active stuff and just look and listen, passively.
I use a variety of materials at adoration, based on how I feel the Holy Spirit is calling me to spend that time. Most often I use that hour for silent prayer. Sometimes I read scripture or other spiritual reading, occasionally from my iPod. Sometimes I write in my journal. I occasionally use rosary meditations on my iPod. There have been a few times when I’ve used it to listen to praise and adoration music. I try to be discreet when using it when others are at adoration with me because I feel like it might be a distraction. Mostly I use that time for good old-fashioned heart-to-heart prayer with Our Lord Who is before me.
I bring a booklet titled Holy Hour of Reparation to adoration. It is loaded with prayers and the Sorrowful Mysteries. It will take you about an hour to get through it. http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Reparation-Sacred-Heart-Jesus/dp/1891280392
I guess I would say to start off not to bring anything at all, with the starting point of the wisdom of the suggestion made by the individual’s confessor. And then see how it goes/what happens. Not to feel one needs do anything at all other than be present and be opening to listening. Perhaps over time on returned visits then rosary or prayers toward the end of the time? Then in thinking through after or ahead of next visit, something specific prepared to read on something one feels important or helpful or relevant.
My instinct is against bringing internet access or vast collections of downloaded prayers or reading in and I agree that a light can be distracting.
The little object of the smartphone itself, or kindle or ipad, ipod, all have various associations which we attach to it and might be better left aside just for that time period. It kind of overwhelms in various ways. It requires us to direct and choose and monitor and this can be dissipating.
Whereas if you have a physical book, then, it has more precise definitions to you and the ideas or suggestions are also limited by the presence of the object.
If you have the phone then inevitably even if the ringer is off and the mail is not pressed it has all of those associations and our attachment going along with it and time away might not be a terrible thing.
One could bring a small bible in also. But I think one must be discreet even with reading or rosary at Adoration and to respect the quiet that everyone depends upon.
People bring their cares and burdens to the Lord in Adoration. We can also remember others who are present during the time we are there, and their needs.
Visits to the Blessed Sacrament by Alphonsus Liguori is a great classic, popular at my parish. Peter Julian Eymard’s writings on the Real Presence are great too. At the parish where I am a regular adorer there is kept a big plastic tub full of all kinds of materials like the above to help people who might get stuck. The rosary is always in good taste too. I have a little prayer book I use. I pray for certain things all the time and then let Jesus decide where he wants the prayers to go. There are lots of little books on Eucharistic adoration at Catholic bookstores.
In my experience, Adoration is a great place to practice lectio divina. Bring a Bible — reading the Lord’s word in the Lord’s presence can be a powerful experience.
Margaret, I agree wholly with you. For a sense of connection — especially when for a few days that connection has not seemed especially strong — reading from scripture during Eucharistic adoration is in my experience just about the best. Looking up when there’s a puzzling passage and contemplating it in the presence of the Lord invariably leads to satisfaction (even if sometimes it’s “that will remain a mystery, at least to me, at least for now”). Sometimes, one feels compelled simply to say “thank you.” I have not done it and I do not know if it crosses a line (I doubt that it does), but I imagine reading Augustine and others might likewise add to and perhaps sanctify understanding.
Though I cannot enter Eucharistic adoration without thinking of Fr. Corapi’s description of the old man who would just sit there staring. Hour after hour, day after day. One day, Fr. Corapi asked him about it and the old man said, “I look at Him. He looks at me.” Just remembering that sets me in a good frame of mind, every time.
As with Fr. Z, I love my gadgets. But I can’t see using them during a service or in adoration. They are for when we don’t have access to a Bible or prayer book or other holy writing.
I love my iPod Touch, Kindle and, now, my Android phone for keeping prayers and a Bible handy for use at home and, say, on the bus. At first I thought I’d just break them out during Mass when I couldn’t remember a prayer, but I never, ever have. It feels wrong, as much as I’d love to go to Adoration and invite Jesus to play some Words with Friends. ;) I feel like there’s too much potential for distraction with the gadgets, at least for me.
When I have gone to Adoration I tend to pray the Rosary, read my issue of Magnificat or, say Augustine’s Confessions. I like the idea Rich mentioned of placing your time in the context of some of the Gospels. I have always thought of it as keeping watch with Christ.
And now I want to go to Adoration, but it’s not possible tonight or tomorrow. Maybe some post-work Adoration for my birthday on Wednesday. That sounds good.
Making prayer is so transformative that I’d say one should use any means that fosters the authentic stuff–esp if one is new to mental prayer. You don’t want to be glued into any source such that you are not engaged and listening to our Lord (e.g. Just reading a book or flipping through e-files), but just because sources can cause distraction does not mean that they cannot likewise be used for much good. St. Teresa of Avilla certainly made use of sources (books for her) in mental prayer.
I was a convert to e-books on iPad, and an even more recent convert to taking the device into the sanctuary. However, I’ve come to find the e-device to be most helpful (esp on a recent retreat) in that it is an all-in-one: I have Sacred Scripture, Spiritual Reading, works of devotion, prayers, recent sermons of the Holy Father, etc. all within easy reach to draw upon and enrich my prayer. It is very handy without having to carry multiple volumes or wasting time thumbing through to find some particular prayer. I operate with 4 main rules: 1) always turn the wireless connection off upon entering the sanctuary (avoid the email temptation); 2) be cognizant of the lighting in the sanctuary and light coming from the device–dont be a distraction; 3) don’t allow the device to dominate the time; and 4) for now, not during the mass–for now would be until missals are readily available on iPad and they become even more common in culture such that most people seeing you use an iMissal would not be scandalized. (I’m guessing this will be in 10 years, but would not be surprised if it is 4 or 5 years.)
iPad2 and Divinium Officium – you’ll never look back.
I have several Catholic apps – iBreviary, the Confession app, the Divine Mercy app and the Catholic Bible – on my iPhone. I also have “WDTPRS”. I attend Adoration daily and use the iBreviary daily. The others I use less frequently. (Once, I even used the WDTPRS app AT ADORATION because I saw earlier in the day that the Holy Father’s homily from Holy Thursday was printed in full there and I wanted to meditate on it….).
I sit in the back of the chapel and place the phone on my lap, scrolling up inconspicuously with my finger because I am conscious of how it may “look”, so I make an effort to be “out of the way”. It is so much easier for me to have access to everything in my little hand held. When I used to walk to work, I could pray the entire Divine Office in a day just because it was on my phone. I hate to say I never made the effort to do that with a big book.
I used the Confession app to examine my conscience for Confession yesterday, but I didn’t pull it out to review while in the Confession line – although I really wanted to!!! I was afraid it would look bad – especially to the devout older ladies next to me in line.
I agree with Margaret C’s comment: “In my experience, Adoration is a great place to practice lectio divina. Bring a Bible — reading the Lord’s word in the Lord’s presence can be a powerful experience.”
St. Teresa of Avila would always have a book with her at mental prayer. Some don’t need it but she did in order to keep her focused on the Sacred Humanity of Jesus.
The purpose of any reading material is to move the heart to begin a conversation with Jesus about anything, or just to listen to Him. Once the heart and mind are silenced and recollected it is best to just remain in His Presence.
Everyone has really good suggestions here. I personally think it is important to be radically detached from the electronic goodies when visiting Jesus. Detachment is key to a relationship with Jesus. As good as these pieces can be for other activities, even prayer outside of the Real Presence, it is a measure of our love for Him during Adoration to keep our eyes fixed on Him alone and let Him supply us in His way rather than rely on electronics. These things are also used for many non relgious and profane activities, in ways which books are not som much and which can detract from purity of intention without us even realizing it; and so we don’t grow, we depend. He asks us to “Come apart” and spend time with Him alone, literally face to face.
I very often see people using this valuable time before our Lord doing lots of writing and studying and reading at Adoration appearing to be very busy and if it is a distraction for other adorers, it must be for the Lord as well. Learning silence is hard for some in this Facebook world but it is certainly worth it.
I always start by saying my rosary. I bring my bible, and a journal so I can write down any specific things I feel, or things to pray about, etc. I get my best spiritual insights at adoration, and I don’t want to lose them! Sometimes I just pray the rosary, with very specific intentions. I always leave some time for pure contemplation–“looking at him, and he looks at me.” I find that if I do bring spiritual reading, reading during Adoration usually leads to deeper insight, understanding, and additional prayer.
I haven’t yet seen a phone out at Adoration but there’s a woman who brings hers to Mass. I assume that she has the readings up; however, I would advise not to bring electronics. At my parish, they ask you to have cellphones off. I don’t think it makes a difference that you’re reading rather than talking or that it isn’t ringing; the light is distracting for others. If you want to use your apps when you’re not in a place of worship, that’s great. Don’t use them during Mass or Adoration. Totally inappropriate when the intent is to focus on God.
I brought my iPad into church prior to confession to review with the confession app. I don’t think it went over too well with those around me. I fear I came off looking like the “kid” who wasn’t taking the sacrament too seriously. I definitely wouldn’t take my iPhone to Adoration unless I knew I was going to be alone.
I’ve been to Adoration just a few times because I’m generally at work during the day; however, I want to find a way to go on a regular basis. The first two times I didn’t really know what I was doing so I just prayed and talked to Jesus (reading other comments, maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing…). Before I went the last time, I downloaded several iphone applications including the Holy Rosary app, iBreviary, Prayer app, New Testament app, and Confession app but didn’t use them because I thought it would be distracting for others and it somehow didn’t feel right. I think I’ll stick to what I’ve been doing but may bring a rosary with me the next time.
I think the reference to “electronic goodies” in JKnott’s post is a bit misleading.
Who would not want to be detached from “electronic goodies” when in the presence of the Lord? Who would not want to be detached from “electronic goodies” – period???
However – in reality – something like an iPhone can be (in my case IS) merely a highly efficient storage facility for very helpful Catholic materials.
I have not come across anybody I know who has daily, silent, undistracted infused contemplation.
Most of us need something to redirect our attention to the Lord when we become distracted, and having several options in a storage device no bigger than one’s palm is incredibly helpful – and – I daresay – an aid to growth rather than a hindrance.
Also – I will say from experience when I was a student… I spent a great deal of time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament: sometimes in silent prayer, sometimes to read my theology homework or even write portions of a theological paper in His Presence, and sometimes for spiritual reading or devotions. One cannot assume because one sees someone in a chapel writing or reading that the person is not using their Adoration time well or that their valuable time with the Lord is not well spent.
@ Nan –
Are missals totally inappropriate at Mass?
If not, why would an “electronic” missal be totally inappropriate?
I know someone who attends the only daily Mass she can – in a foreign language. She has an app which provides the daily readings in her own language, and reads it while the readings are proclaimed. This helps her focus on God rather than zone out during the readings.
I’m trying to understand what I see as a weird prejudice against electronics….
Maybe it is because the person COULD be watching YouTube Duran Duran videos or something…
Help me understand, here. I believe there can be very good use of electronics in prayer. Is the fact that electronics can be abused by some sufficient to make them “totally inappropriate” for anyone’s prayer? If so, why?
My parish’s Holy Hour has a period of silent adoration with a rosary prayed aloud about halfway through. We also have 2 priests available for confession.
When I’m not making confession that evening, I often read a portion of the Gospels from the pew Bible. Instead of reading “Jesus did this” or “Jesus told his disciples” I read it as “You did…” and “You told your disciples…” Sort of a lectio divina way of reading the passage, like I’m reminiscing with Him rather than just reading about Him.
Other times when I “pop in” for a visit, I will do as previous posters said – look at Him while He looks at me. Sometime I pray the Stations of the Cross. My parish has a stained glass window of the crucifixion behind the altar, so I often meditate on our Lord’s passion.
If you’d like to see the window: http://www.stmarysgvl.org/thecampus/photo-album?title=Church%20Stained%20Glass%20Windows&c=Church-Stained-Glass-Windows
I do a brief visit to the Blessed Sacrament most days (I’m fortunate to be at a Catholic school with a lot of chapels in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved), and I use my iPhone for prayer all the time. Before I go into the chapel, I go to divinumofficium.com and load in Vespers, Matins, and the readings for the daily Mass in the EF; and I update ibreviarypro for all of that in the OF. I generally have the readings of both forms of Mass, and the Matins/Office of Readings readings from both forms of the breviary at the ready, and I will use them to assist in meditation. Then I’ll pray Vespers in the EF. When I attend Mass in the Novus Ordo on weekdays, I’ll also use ibreviarypro to follow along with the readings of the Mass. During the orations of the Mass (collect, prayer over the gifts, postcommunion) and the Eucharistic prayer, I can switch it into Latin so I can read for myself What the Prayer Really Says (I was a Latin major as an undergrad), and pray along that way.
The only possibly objectionable thing about using an iPhone would be causing scandal to others. At my university, though, I find there are more and more kids who have been using smartphones as aids in prayer, and people are becoming more and more aware of the fact, so I don’t really think it’s that big of an issue. Further, I think there are ways you can use it that are less distracting to other people. That’s the problem with using an iPad in public, that it’s very difficult to use discreetly/without causing a lot of distraction.
On the whole, I think I actually use my iPhone for prayer more than for any other non-calling-and-texting purpose. Except maybe for playing minesweeper. Darn that stupid game is so addictive.
One of the things I enjoy most about this blog is that it challenges me to ponder ideas that I wouldn’t necessarily encounter. The range of experiences of the readers is unmatched.
At my parish, we have Perpetual Adoration in a 200 year old chapel (original Church) next to our current Church. It is a beautiful, Holy setting. My scheduled hour is on Sunday mornings, from 1-2am. I am alone there with Jesus. Since I wake up after a two hour nap, the idea of just being quiet in my thoughts at that time will likely result in my falling asleep. Active prayer, meditation and reading get me through the hour. My iPad has the prayers and good reading. Since I am the only adorer, the glow of the screen doesn’t bother anyone. I agree however with the comments about technology at Mass and I still have not had the courage to use the iPad there. Oremus Pro Invicem.
I bring spiritual reading and a journal. I may use one, both or neither. But I like to be prepared just in case.
I highly recommend the book “20 Holy Hours” It is a great place to start. It has an hour for each month, and special hours for Holy Thursday evening, and an hour for the dying…etc. During this hour through the guidance of St Margaret Mary, you speak to Jesus in the Eucharist, and ask to be united with his heart. If you have children it has a special holy hour to be done the day before your child’s first Confession, and Eucharist. It is beautiful.
Regarding the iPad. Leave it in the car. You are in the presence of God the almighty! Just sitting there looking at the stain glass windows, statues, and other visuals (we are so blessed with in the Catholic church) is so inspiring. Just meditating on the Our Father, or bringing all of your loved ones, and concerns to God is enough to fill an hour. Like others have said, “just be silent” and let God speak to you.
First Fridays are the highlight of my month, the only time we have Mass, Benediction, and one hour (only) of Eucharistic Adoration. I take a small, black leather bound, 1942 edition of Thomas A. Kempis “Imitation of Christ”. I may read a few verses at the beginning to settle myself, but best for me is to put my earplugs in my ears so I hear none of the distractions of closing doors, shifting positions, coughing, just maybe my own breathing, close my eyes, and be still.
It is possibly the most peaceful and blessed time I have in the month. I have even stopped worrying if the hour is almost up and I must grab my stuff and hurry out so father can get to his other church.
tmjost, I have seen the book 20 Holy Hours, it is great. As for stained glass, etc. the chapel in the parish where I am an adorer is more like a Quaker meetinghouse in its stark plainness. Sad.
You can’t go wrong with the Imitation of Christ. I use the CBP version.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION IS A TRUE GIFT FROM GOD TO US!
If you are consistent with attending Holy Hours with Jesus He will transform your life one visit at a time.You will also find the graces overflowing to your family.
My daughter was entering a very difficult period in her life, friends and peers were pressuring her to dress and behave in a manner not acceptable to me and her dad. I must admit I insisted she attend a Holy Hour once a week.She was 14 years old at the time. She objected and protested but I insisted. She finally acquiesced. I knew if she was in the presence of Jesus He would eventually change her heart. At first she found it difficult to be quiet. Our chapel has a Rosary meditation book which she began to utilize which helped her to think about the mysteries of the Rosary. The Rosary became an integral part of her Holy Hour. Also, I told her she needed to view Jesus first as God and secondly as someone who loves her so much, he desired to know every aspect of her life. She began to talk to him about her friends, her concerns and her fears. We began to see our daughter transforming in front of our eyes. Six years later I know longer have to prod her into attending a Holy Hour. She attends faithfully and she will work it in around her busy college and working schedule. My son as well attends Adoration,being a staunch conservative,he drew the ire and ridicule of many of his college professors and classmates. He often tells me he finds true peace in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
Please if anyone reading this does not spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Please, please consider spending an hour in his presence. First and foremost you console his most Sacred Heart, but he return who is never outdone in generosity will shower you with unimaginable graces.
Read a book on the life of the saints, say a Rosary, or a chaplet or just sit silently in his presence. Tell him everything, he gets it. Just make some time to spend with the King of Kings and be persistent. At first you may find the Holy Hour seems to last for hours but as you proceed in Adoration, the hour will fly by. Jesus often works very subtly and slowly . Eucharistic Adoration is truly God’s gift to us! I pray anyone who reads this post will claim His great gift!
I remember going to a PTA-type function and causing some wonderment because instead of silencing my cell phone, I actually–gasp!–turned it off entirely. The kids were on campus, the people there knew where I was….who couldn’t wait?
My take on it is that the choices in Eucharistic Adoration ought to be made with an eye to “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31) It isn’t about electronic or non-electronic, but rather about leaving the stuff behind that we use to self-medicate our emotional and spiritual exhaustion. If you have a music habit, leave it behind. If you never get to sit and do nothing but surround yourself with music the Lord’s presence, then some earbuds might be just fine, particularly if silence tempts you with thoughts of grocery lists and items from the newspaper. If your problem is that you read when you ought to pray, then leave the books behind. If your problem is that somehow Lectio Divina never happens in your life, that prayer and reading never happen in your life at the same time, then a book might be just the thing to marry the two again. If you were in the Adoration Chapel alone, I don’t see why you couldn’t sing out loud, provided it was a sung prayer. Do what puts you alone with the Lord and quiets all that is anything else, that is the main thing.
I would discourage the gadgets. Try being alone with the Alone.
They are distracting to others near you is only one objection.
But learn to communicate with Our Lord or use books the old fashioned way.
If using an iphone (I use ibreviary all the time- some irks, but usually pretty good), at least put it on vibrate, if not airplane mode. It can get disconcerting when your nephew decides to text you in the middle of adoration…..
Reading is fine too. Breviary is a good start, as is the Rosary. Readings of the day are a great way to lead into meditation. Take the reading apart- use the patristic 4 senses of Scripture.
Thanks to the encouragement, tips, and wonderful suggestions made in response to this post, I’ve made arrangements at work to leave early once a week for Adoration. Still haven’t decided about the iphone but will bring and use it if it feels right.
Just an update to my previous post…I did go to adoration and was so glad I did. I stayed longer than I originally intended because it was so wonderful. Someone left copies of a meditation for the Blessed Sacrament which I used (this was very helpful). I don’t know how to describe how I felt during adoration but to say that I felt comforted. Instead of the iphone I brought my Kindle and read Matthew for some of the time.