The Catechism quotes Pope John Paul II: “The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith, and open to making amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease.” (CCC, 1380)
Eucharistic adoration is worshipping God as He is present in the consecrated Eucharist. Spending time before the Blessed Sacrament, in prayer and devotion, is the same as spending time before the living God.
We are blessed to have the Prince of Peace Eucharistic Adoration Chapel dedicated on September 30, 2006, by Bishop Joseph Perry.
The Chapel is open every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Here are suggestions on what to do during private Eucharistic adoration.
1. PRAY THE PSALMS OR THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS
You’ll find an appropriate psalm, whether praising, giving thanks, asking for forgiveness, or seeking an answer. The ancient prayer of the Church, called the Liturgy of the Hours, presents an excellent way to pray through the Book of Psalms throughout the year.
2. RECITE THE “JESUS PRAYER.”
Say, “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner,” repeatedly as you quiet your heart and mind.
3. MEDITATE USING SCRIPTURE
Choose a passage from the Bible. Read the words and ask God to let the selection speak to you. Pay special attention to anything that strikes you and ask God what He wishes you to draw from that passage.
4. READ THE LIFE OF A SAINT AND PRAY WITH THEM
Most holy men and women have a great devotion to Our Lord in the Eucharist. Therese of Lisieux, Catherine of Siena, Francis of Assisi, Thomas Aquinas, Peter Julian Eymard, Dorothy Day, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Baroness Catherine de Hueck are just a few. Read about them and pray their prayers before the Blessed Sacrament.
5. POUR OUT YOUR HEART TO CHRIST AND ADORE HIM
Speak to Jesus, be aware that you are in His presence, and tell Him all that comes to mind. Listen for His response. Pray the prayer that St Francis instructed his brothers to pray whenever they were before the Blessed Sacrament: “I adore you, O Christ, present here and in all the churches of the world, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”
6. ASK FOR FORGIVENESS AND INTERCEDE FOR OTHERS
Think of those who have hurt you and request a special blessing for them. Bring all those who have asked you to pray for them before the Blessed Sacrament. Ask the Lord to address their concerns. Ask God to forgive you for all the times you have neglected or hurt someone else.
7. PRAY THE ROSARY
Pope John Paul II reminds us, “…is not the enraptured gaze of Mary as she contemplated the face of the newborn Christ and cradled him in her arms that unparalleled model of love which should inspire us every time we receive Eucharistic Communion?” (The Church and the Eucharist, 55) Ask Mary to join you as you gaze on Christ in the Eucharist and pray the Rosary.
8. SIT QUIETLY AND “BE” IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Think of a visit to the Blessed Sacrament as coming to see your best friend. Sit quietly and enjoy being in each other’s company. Instead of talking to the Lord, try listening to what He wants to tell you.