Holy Hour or Supermarket Sweep?
I had no idea what Eucharistic Adoration was until about a year and a half ago.I was either The World's Worst CCD Student or it was hot post-Vatican II time (1976-1985) and adoration was downplayed or just plain not available in my area (hard to believe in an Irish-Catholic city with five Catholic churches, but whatever...)
Either way, I was a latercomer to this amazing experience. Jen's post yesterday on Adoration really made me think. Here's what she wrote that really hit home:
But I am learning so much just being in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament. And I mean just BEING. I have the tendency to read or talk a lot when I'm in Adoration. But this past weekend during prayer He "told" me that no words in a book will help me know Him. Since He is the Word that it is only HIM who will draw me into a deeper relationship with Him. Not that books aren't good.....just I won't be able to "find" Him there."
I really identified with what Jen posted as when I'm in a Holy Hour, I don't know why but I always feel like I have to be doing something - Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, prayers from a Holy Hour book - you name it. Instead of being a calm, quiet time with God it's this mentally frenetic rush to get as much prayer in as possible within my hour. Like a Supermarket Sweep of prayer!
It's very Type-A, like those who can't just sit and chill out at home, but have to always be running around picking up, putting something away, doing something. I - LOL - have no problem doing nothing around the house from time to time (just visit my place and you'll see). When I can get it, I savor that quiet, mellow time to just "be." Which is why what Jen wrote about just "being" in Adoration is so powerful.
At my next Holy Hour, I'm going to follow Jen's plan and just be. No Rosary. No Chaplet. No books. I'm just going to sit there and listen to God and see what He has to say. I'll report back on how it went.
This stinks, now I'm all ramped up to go to Adoration and I don't think I can get there until next week. Wah.
Labels: prayer
posted by Melissa @ 8:25 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
In answer to your question on my post: it took quite a while to be able to just "be"!! It wasn't something that happened overnight and even now it doesn't happen "all" the time. (And I sometimes get very very antsy!) I think it's a grace that is given at various times to be able to just be in the Presence of Jesus....I don't try to force it anymore. (I did for a long time and just got very frustrated).
Now I just "show up" at Adoration always with my Rosary "Just in case" and see where He leads me during that time. Sometimes He does lead me into just being in His Presence. Sometimes I feel called to pray the Rosary. Sometimes I find myself just sitting contemplating Him with no words for only a short time. It all depends. But I'm finally allowing myself to let go of the "control" and following the lead of the Holy Spirit. And it's very fruitful!!
Sorry for making an almost post in your comment section!! :-)
NP - LOL. :-)
Maybe I'll bring a Rosary just in case. I like the idea of starting out just sitting there and listening to hear what God is calling me to do - either in Adoration or in general.
I think the key is what you wrote "I don't try to force it anymore."
I'll report back how it goes. I really want to get to Adoration ASAP now!!!
For you Type-A fretters: you have a natural, built-in rosary attached to your wrists! So quit fretting. If you feel the need to pray a decade and you forgot your beads, count out the prayers on your fingers.
Post a Comment
<< Home