Today's prayer: the devotion that Jesus asks each of us
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament consists in spending time in front of Jesus, hidden in the consecrated host, but typically placed, or exposed, in a beautiful ship called a monstrance as pictured here. Many Catholic churches have chapels of worship where you can come to worship the Lord exposed in the monstrance at various times, sometimes around the clock, seven days a week. The worshipers commit to spending at least an hour a week with Jesus and can use this time to pray, read, meditate or simply sit and rest in His presence.
Parishes and shrines also often offer opportunities for worship services or joint prayer hours. Typically the congregation meets in prayer and in some song, reflection on the scriptures or other spiritual reading, and perhaps some quiet time for personal reflection. This service ends with the Blessing, as a priest or deacon lifts the monstrance and blesses those present. Sometimes Jesus allowed Saint Faustina to clearly see the reality of the moment:
That same day, while I was in church waiting for confession, I saw the same rays emanating from the monstrance and spreading throughout the church. This lasted all the service. After the Blessing, the rays shone on both sides and returned to the monstrance again. Their appearance was bright and transparent like crystal. I asked Jesus to deign to light the fire of his love in all the souls who were cold. Under these rays a heart warms even if it were like a block of ice; even if it were hard as a rock, it would crumble to dust. (370)
What a compelling imagery, used here to teach or remind us of the supreme power of God that is available to us in the presence of the Holy Eucharist. If a Chapel of Adoration is close to you, do your best to engage in a visit at least once a week. Visit the Lord often, even if only for a few moments. Come and see it on special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. Praise him, worship him, ask him and thank him for everything.