"I really would like to go to Adoration, I just don't know what to do." I have heard this so many times from people who are intimidated to go spend an hour with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament because they aren't sure of what to do.
Really, though, it is very simple if you just follow these seven easy steps.
(This post was originally published in March of 2019 but I'm updating it with new information)
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1. Find a Church
First, you must find a church that is offering Adoration. I know, that's a no-brainer. Some churches offer Adoration once in a while (for example, on First Fridays or once a week) while other churches offer Perpetual Adoration (24/7).
I'm updating this post because I've recently come across this national directory of churches that offer Adoration. I've looked at all of the listings around my area and they are all accurate. Definitely check with the church to make sure the listing is current before you go. This list is handy for those searching for Adoration or those who want to go to Adoration in an area they aren't familiar with. I'm telling you, this is a game changer!
In the event that you cannot find a church near you that offers Adoration, or you are unable to get to one for whatever reason, you can always do a holy hour via the Internet. Is it as good as being there? No. Is it okay to do? Yes. I've checked with multiple priests and they've said it's fine. Kind of like watching Mass on TV. My two favorite places to go online are Marytown and Our Lady of Sorrows.
2. Decide who will go with you to Adoration
Will you be going alone, which is a nice way to get some self-care time in, or will you be bringing your kids, which has the potential to take time off of your time in Purgatory 🙂 ?
I highly recommend starting your kids out when they are old enough to sit still for a little while. You might not make an hour, but start with a few minutes and work your way up.
3. Genuflect upon entering
Enter into the church and, before entering the pew, genuflect on both knees while making the sign of the cross. You will do this whenever you leave or enter while the Blessed Sacrament is exposed.
4. Maintain Silence
Once you're in the church or chapel, plan on maintaining silence for the time you're there. If you have kids, try to keep them as quiet as possible. If they get too noisy, you may have to leave (unless you're there by yourselves).
5. Pray how you want (as long as it's quiet)
During this time you can sit, kneel or even stand in the back if you need to (i.e. so you don't fall asleep!). Feel free to just sit and discuss things with Jesus, pray the rosary, read a book, meditate, journal or anything that helps you to open yourself up to what the Lord may be telling you.
There is no right or wrong formula here.
If you brought the kids, they can read, color in a religious coloring book or draw their own pictures (my son used to do this until we discovered he was drawing bloody battle scenes, at which point we re-directed him!).
6. Leave the church when you're done
When your hour is up, or the kids have reached their limit, genuflect on both knees while making the sign of the cross and exit the church.
If you can't stay a whole hour, that is okay. Stay as long as you can because that amount of time is better than nothing!
It is customary to not leave Jesus alone while the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, so check with your church on what to do if no one else is there and you need to leave.
7. Rejoice in the graces
Go home and bask in the glow of the graces that were poured down on you while you were there. You might not feel them, but they are there!
That's it! Easy peasy, right? Consider adding a holy hour of Adoration to your week. Add your holy hour into your homeschool plan, too, because there's no better school than being at the feet of the Lord!
If you're ready, consider doing a Novena of Adoration! This will really ramp up your prayer life.
Remember, you're never wasting time by introducing religious practices into your day. While the experience itself might not be peaceful if you bring your kids, there will be benefits that you will see as your kids get older!