Let's face it, we're human. Like Peter, James and John, we can find ourselves overcome by tiredness and falling asleep in the presence of the Lord. In spite of our human weakness, let's enter into an Adoration Novena this Lent, shall we? Not sure what that is? Allow me to explain.
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This past Advent things just weren't going very well at all. Everyone seemed to be struggling and our moods weren't very good. I decided then that we needed to go big or go home if we were going to snap out of this funk, so we undertook what I now call an Adoration Novena, or nine days in a row of holy hours.
If you are uncertain of how to do a holy hour, then go to my introductory post "How to go to Adoration in 7 Easy Steps!"
Minor Disclaimer
Let me state that we are incredibly blessed to live in an area where we have multiple options for Adoration during the day and the evening. I know that not everyone has that, but hang in there, I have a solution for that problem.
Many people who might want to undertake this can't because of small children. Don't worry, I have a solution for that one, too. Well, really it's the same solution for both, so just hold tight!
My three kids and I would go to Mass in the morning and then head out to one of the Adoration chapels in the area to spend an hour with the Lord. Everyone would bring something to read or to journal in. Sometimes we would pray the rosary or the chaplet. Sometimes we'd just sit and listen.
The outcome was amazing. Everyone loved it and even though it was an "intrusion" into our school day, we all were sorry when it was over. Moods improved; new solutions presented themselves. It was an incredibly powerful time.
If you are struggling
with something, or someone, I highly suggest making the sacrifice to do this novena. Remember, God is never outdone in generosity, so those nine hours you put in (plus all of the tactical maneuvers it will take to make it happen) will be repaid one hundred fold. Maybe not right away, but they will be! Lent is the perfect time to make the sacrifice and "get 'er done".
What to do if you can't go to Adoration
Now, I said I'd have a solution for those of you who don't have easy access to daily Adoration. I've come across a couple of different churches that live stream their Adoration. I know it's not the same as being there, but I checked with a couple of different priests and they all thought it was a good option; kind of like watching Mass on TV. Here are two of the places that I've found: Marytown and Our Lady of Sorrows. If you Google live stream Adoration, it's sometimes hard to tell if it really is a live stream or just a picture. If I can't see some kind of movement, usually in a candle if there aren't people visible, then I'll try somewhere else. These two places I've listed are definitely live.
Instead of heading out, dedicate one hour of your day for nine days in a row to sitting with Jesus via the internet. Again, don't get hung up on logistics. Jesus knows your heart and he knows that you can't get out to do this in person, so don't worry about that.
You can do this alone or do it with family members. The important thing is to just commit to it and do it. You will be amazed by the graces that will flow through you and your family. It will bring peace and hopefully will help you with whatever you might be struggling with.
What a powerful way to start Lent off on the right foot. Let me know if you try an Adoration Novena and what you think about the outcome! You can either come back and comment here or post on my Facebook page. Feel free to share this with others that you think might benefit.