It was a week into Lent, and I had yet to discern what the Lord was calling me to do for Him. That is, until I heard His Heart speak unmistakably to mine in prayer: I want you to come to Me stripped of your garments.
Come As You Are
As I reached into my chapel bag bursting with the stack of spiritual books I had brought to my Holy Hour, I understood His meaning. Jesus was inviting me to approach all my time in Eucharistic Adoration with nothing—no journal, no books, no rosary, not even my Bible—just me and Him in the quiet stillness of His gaze for the next thirty-three days.
Despite its challenges, coming before my Beloved open and empty-handed turned out to be a beautiful and purifying experience. At the end of it, I found myself more in love with the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist than ever before.
Five Adoration "Date" Ideas
Maybe Eucharistic Adoration is the joy of your heart, as it is mine, or perhaps you’re new to this sacred practice. Either way, if the idea of simply “being” with Jesus seems daunting, I’m here to offer you five Adoration “date” ideas to help you spend time with your First Love.
1. Give Him a Rose
I recently discovered a unique twist on the Catholic daily examen that is derived from the popular Rose, Bud, Thorn exercise.
This practice is an invitation to identity and reflect on the day’s successes (roses), opportunities (buds), and stumbling blocks (thorns). Though originally designed to be a therapeutic tool, I have found this method of prayer to be a beautiful exploration into the workings of grace in my life and a simple yet powerful way to identify how and where love is responding (or not responding) to Love. I like using these prompts written by Laura Ercolino of Hope’s Garden as a guide, but you are welcome to consider whatever questions arise in your heart as you invite the Lord’s Eucharistic gaze into the garden of your soul.
And if you find Him uncovering more thorns than roses, that’s okay! Jesus wants it all, even the not-so-pretty places. So let Him tend to every corner, asking Him to cultivate the seeds of virtue and uproot whatever is hindering your growth in Him. Then make a commitment to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as possible so that the healing power of His mercy can love you into full bloom!
2. Relive Your Love Story
Psalm 77:12 declares: “I will recall the deeds of the LORD; yes, recall your wonders of old.”
Recalling the deeds of the Lord is one of my favorite things to do with Jesus during a Holy Hour, especially on milestone anniversaries in my walk with Him. While the Lord already knows our stories, He loves to be reminded! Take this precious time in His Real Presence to marvel at how far you’ve come and how far He has brought you.
In what ways have you grown and been shaped by His grace? How did Jesus orchestrate events, situations, relationships, and even crosses to coax your heart into deeper communion with Him? Remember all the details and let His faithfulness and love wash over you anew.
3. Play Two Truths and a Lie
As you come before the Sacred Host, bring to mind two things you know to be true about Jesus. For instance, I know that Jesus is kind; I know that Jesus is merciful. Then pause and spend some time allowing those statements to penetrate your heart. Contemplate the ways in which Jesus has revealed Himself to you through these two truths and then praise Him for all the possible ways He will continue to sing over you with His kindness, mercy, etc. Be sure to make this unique to your own experience!
When you are finished, ask Jesus to expose a lie your heart is holding on to, either about Him or what He says about you. If you have your Bible handy (yes, you can bring it!) challenge yourself to find a Scripture verse that contradicts your false belief. Then soak in what He is speaking to you as He reverses the lie with His perfect truth.
4. Look at Each Other
One of my favorite stories from the life of Saint John Vianney recounts how the Curé d'Ars noticed an old farmer who would enter the village church every morning and sit in front of the tabernacle, sometimes for several hours a day. When the future Saint asked him what he did during these long visits to the Blessed Sacrament, the man replied, “I look at him, and he looks at me” (source).
Sister, sometimes this is all that is required during prayer. We simply need to gaze at the Lover of our souls and let Him gaze back at us. Jesus isn’t expecting you to perform or be perfectly put together when you come to Him. His greatest ache is for our presence, and when we look at His Eucharistic face, we quench His Heart’s thirst for our love. Likewise, when He looks at us, His pure glance penetrates and widens our own hearts to receive His love in return.
5. Offer it Up
No matter how intentional we may be about making the most of our time with Jesus in adoration, the reality is it can be challenging. Even in the quiet stillness of a church or chapel, our minds wander and the hustle and bustle in our hearts often remain. In these moments of distraction, anxiety, or weariness, choose to offer it up, uniting your struggles with the One Who has called you close. It is also helpful to have a specific person in mind during your prayer, so that when those pesky thoughts or emotions intrude, you can move to intercession, pressing that person’s name and needs to the throne of grace.
Be Overcome by the Love of Jesus
Ultimately, dear sister, love is a decision, not a feeling. Jesus, the Eternal Lover, decided to love us radically through instituting the gift of His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity truly present in the Eucharist. So, rest assured that the fruit of your time together is not dependent on your feelings or emotions. As long as you remain faithful and keep showing up, He will use everything to draw you to Himself. The words of Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalene say it best: “True love overcomes every obstacle, accepts every situation, and makes any sacrifice in order to unite itself with Him whom it loves” (source).
No matter what it looks like, let this be an opportunity to respond to the sweet draw in our hearts to not only receive Jesus’ love in Adoration, but be overcome by it.
Cathy Webb is a consecrated virgin for the Diocese of Wilmington and the creator of the Sacred Heart to Heart journal. A full-time Library Assistant, she loves long books, long skirts, and, above all, long talks with her divine Spouse. She delights in prayerful encounter with the Universal Church, but holds a special place in her heart for Dublin, Ireland, where she gave Christ her “yes.” Find out more about her here.
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