Eucharistic adoration is an excellent way for Catholics to manifest their nearness to God, and has gained in popularity since last summer, when more than 50,000 faithful experienced nightly adoration together at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, while many others watched virtually.
Many NEC attendees named the solemn adoration sessions in Lucas Oil Stadium the highlight of their pilgrimage and are seeking out adoration opportunities in their own dioceses during the 2025 Jubilee Year.
But once arriving at an adoration site, some adorers admit to being stymied in how to proceed. Facing as much as an hour in the pew of a quiet church with the monstrance in front of them, how should they proceed?
“There is no wrong way to do a holy hour,” said Father Greg Bim-Merle, administrator of St. James the Less in Highland. “Even if you come without a plan, just come.
“Having a good process is important, but can take several forms,” he said. “Take your Bible or a phone that has access to a Bible app, and you have all of scripture available.”
Father Bim-Merle suggested using the lectio divina method of prayer with scripture to add meaning to adoration. “It is a wonderful thing to do,” he added. Meaning “divine reading,” lectio divina involves four phases: reading, reflecting, responding and resting, allowing for a deeper connection with God's word.
“You can choose to read a favorite scripture passage, or the readings for the past or upcoming Sunday,” said Father Bim-Merle. “I always recommend starting with one of the Gospels; let that become the starting point of a meditation.”
1. Read the passage slowly and prayerfully, listening for a word or phrase that stands out. Pay attention to the words and phrases that resonate, as God may be speaking through them.
2. Read the passage again, focusing on the word or phrase that stood out and consider its meaning. Allow the word or phrase to sink into your heart and mind, and ponder its meaning.
3. Respond by praying to God, sharing your thoughts, feelings, and needs with him. Express your gratitude, ask for guidance, or simply share your reflections with God.
4. Lastly, be still and let God's presence fill you. Allow yourself to rest in God's love and peace.
Another good way to spend time with the Lord, Father Bim-Merle offered, is to pray the Rosary. “This is a totally acceptable way of meditating,” he said. “After all, it focuses on the big moments in Christ’s life on earth.
“Silence can also be a good part of a Holy Hour,” said the parish leader. “You quiet your heart and say, ‘Lord I’m here, speak to me, and you can give your heart to the Lord – good, bad and otherwise – as you listen.
“One of the best ways to be with God is to pray, and there are many ways to do that. It has been said that prayer is akin to standing out in the sun,” noted Father Bim-Merle.
“Another good thing for the Holy Hour, or whatever amount of time you have chosen to adore, is to stay with it and do it all,” said Father Bim-Merle. “Who knows what God will say to you in the last 30 seconds?
“Also, do it for the discipline,” he added. “See it all the way through and you can say, ‘I gave God the time I meant.”
Deacon Peter Znika, who serves at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Valparaiso, also has a special devotion to Eucharistic adoration.
“Prayer changes you,” he said. “I certainly found that (to be true). Just be silent, and see what thought God places before you. It took about a year, but it changed me.”
Deacon Znika explained that his transformation came while he was going through a “rough patch” while rebuilding a Chicago building. “As I was driving every day, I kept seeing these people going into the back entrance of a Catholic church, and I became curious,” he said. He found an adoration chapel, and began stopping in when he could.
“Before I knew it, I began praying for the person who did me wrong on the business deal. They needed it … I could have become bitter and angry, but I didn’t because of adoration,” the deacon added.
Now he looks forward to first Fridays each month, when he leads Eucharistic adoration at his parish. “There are a few faithful that come each time, and I am sometimes surprised by others who come, too. I offer a short prayer and then we have silence; I don’t want to be a distraction,” Deacon Znika said. “Christ is present in the Eucharist for us and that’s God’s gift to us.”
Among the ways to spend time in adoration, he suggested, “Is to take along a faith-based book and sit and read, hoping to gain some wisdom that I wouldn’t have without that quiet time. I also play ‘Bible roulette,’ and it is amazing how often I randomly open to a passage that I needed at just that time.
“Try not to have an agenda, no preconceived notions, but just take a step forward every day,” said the deacon.
“How do I love you more, Lord? I think adoration is one way; after all, how do you get to know people? – by spending time with them,” noted Deacon Znika.
“I don’t think I’d be a priest if not for Eucharistic adoration – it meant that much to me,” said Father Bim-Merle, an accomplished musician. “Be careful; it will change you.”
Caption: Jackie Keenan (left) prays from a program along with her daughter Mary Keenan (right), 10, and are among those gathered at St. Joseph church in Dyer at a Holy Hour featuring silent Eucharistic adoration, hymns, Rosary, litanies, and benediction on March 13. Deacon Gary Blue presided and Jake Keenan, 12, served on the sanctuary. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
