Adoration (sometimes called Exposition) refers to spending time before the Blessed Sacrament, usually visible in a monstrance on the High Altar.
Our parishes have times of Adoration each week before Masses. We also have more prolonged periods of Adoration on special occasions, for example the Feast of Corpus Christi and the Feast of Epiphany.
What to do during Adoration
The most important thing is to be there and to be still. Make space in your mind and in your heart so that Jesus, who is present in the Blessed Sacrament, can speak to you.
People often commit themselves to spending half an hour or an hour before the Blessed Sacrament. Below are some suggestions of what you can do in that time – but remember to give yourself plenty of moments of silent meditation as well.
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Ten Things to do during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
1. Read a bible passage (or one of the Psalms) slowly, over and over again. If a word or a phrase strikes you in any way, pause and pray about it. Then move on.
2. Pray the Liturgy of the Hours, for example Morning or Evening Prayer. Look at the Blessed Sacrament as you pray the ‘Glory Be‘ at the end of each psalm.
3. Talk to Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament as you would talk to a close friend. Tell him about your day. Ask his advice about what is worrying you. Speak to him about your family and friends. Use your own words and remember to leave space to listen to his replies.
4. Try using a mantra to concentrate your mind. Say over and over again some short phrase such as ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me a sinner‘ or ‘I will praise you Lord, you have rescued me‘ or ‘I love you Jesus, my love above all things‘.
5. Choose a hymn and read through it slowly, thinking about what it is saying to you. For example, ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind‘ or ‘Come Down O Love Divine‘ or ‘Here I Am Lord‘ or ‘Be Still my Soul‘.
6. Be silent and know that you are in the presence of Jesus the Lord. Try and listen to him.
7. Pray the rosary, making an effort to think about each mystery as you say the ‘Our Father‘ and ‘Hail Mary‘ prayers. Look at the Blessed Sacrament as you pray the ‘Glory Be‘.
8. Read about the life of a saint and ask for his or her prayers. Pray with the saint and imagine you are both together in the presence of God. You actually are both in the presence of God!
9. Read a spiritual book, especially something on prayer or about the life of Jesus. Make sure you take ‘time out’ and direct your thoughts and prayers to Jesus who is present in the Blessed Sacrament.
10. If you fall asleep, don’t worry. Psalm 127 reminds us that the Lord showers his blessings upon his beloved while they slumber! Remind yourself that the Lord loves you so much and that it is He who has brought you to this moment, inviting you to waste time in his presence.