Hour of Eucharistic Adoration

Honoring Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life,
the One Savior of the World

Open with prayer of silent presence to the Lord, who is so present for us. (Pause.)

Lift up to him the needs that are in your heart; the needs of people around the world who are suffering and do not know that God is with them in their darkest hours; the desperation of people, even in this city or parish, who are so burdened with fear, with hurt, with anger, with the confusion of mental illness, that they are in danger of losing hope. All of us need to know Jesus: Jesus Christ, the One Savior of the World.

Gather these prayers together:

Lord Jesus Christ,
You gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of your suffering and death.
May our worship of this sacrament of your Body and Blood
help us to experience the salvation you won for us,
and the peace of the kingdom
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
(Prayer from the Mass of the Feast of the Body and the Blood of the Lord)

Litany of Blessing

Blessed are you, Christ, the Son of the Living God! (How good it is to be with you!)
Blessed are you, Christ, Son conceived of the Holy Spirit! (Response)
Blessed are you, priest of the new and everlasting covenant! (Response)
Blessed are you, through whom all things were made! (Response)
Blessed are you, Firstborn of all creation! (Response)
Blessed are you, Image of the invisible God! (Response)
Blessed are you, Sent by the Father! (Response)
Blessed are you, the same, yesterday, today and forever! (Response)
Blessed are you, in whom all fullness dwells! (Response)
Blessed are you, Head of the body, the Church! (Response)
Blessed are you, true vine, of whom we are branches! (Response)
Blessed are you, Living Bread, come down from heaven! (Response)
Blessed are you, Who have the words of everlasting life! (Response)
Blessed are you, Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (Response)
Blessed are you, who washed away our sins in your blood! (Response)
Blessed are you, who gave your life for your sheep! (Response)
Blessed are you, Author and Goal of our faith! (Response)
Blessed are you, Firstborn of the dead! (Response)
Blessed are you, the First and the Last and the Living One! (Response)
Blessed are you, who live always to intercede for us! (Response)
Blessed are you, seated at the right hand of the Father! (Response)
Blessed are you, who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever: Amen.

Reading 1 (Do not be afraid; I am with you)   John 6:16-21
Reflect: "Jesus had not yet come to them." We wait in the dark for God's promise.

Song of Praise (for example, "Praise the Lord, My Soul" by John B. Foley or "Lord of Glory" by Tim Manion)

Reader: Great are the works of the Lord!
Response: To be pondered by all who love them.
Reader: A proclamation from God's saving deeds as recorded by John.
Response: Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.

Reading II (The Lord gave them the bread for which they hungered.)
John 6:2-13
After the reading:
Reader: If today you hear his voice:
Response: Harden not your hearts.
Reader: Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today:
Response: Harden not your hearts.

Reflect: "Jesus knew what he would do." How can we open ourselves to God's surprising and surpassing Providence?

Reading III (From here I will cast light.)   John 6:25-29
After the reading:

Reader: If today you hear his voice:
Response: Harden not your hearts.
Reader: Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today:
Response: Harden not your hearts.

Reflect: "Have faith in the one God has sent." Looking at the level of Eucharistic Faith operative in our lives (our participation in the Mass, expressions of courtesy to the Lord in his sacramental presence, the priority we give to adoration), we may find a call from the Lord to deeper attentiveness, to more profound communion with him through the Eucharist. (Pause to allow for personal reflection.)

Eucharistic faith in the One the Father has sent means that we must be open to being sent by the Father, as well. Let each one ask: How does my participation in the Mass--and especially my reception of Holy Communion--prepare me to reach out to others with the Word of the Lord, or in service to the Body of Christ which is the Church? (Pause to allow for personal reflection.)

Pray together:

Jesus, Divine Master, I thank and bless your most lovable Heart for the great gift of the Holy Eucharist. Your love makes you renew your passion in the Mass, give yourself as food for our souls in Holy Communion, remain among us in the tabernacle. May I know you, hidden God! May I draw grace for mission from the font of your Heart. Grant me the grace to honor you in this sacrament, to understand and actively participate in the Celebration of the Eucharist, to honor you in my neighbor by generous service.

Song of adherence to Christ (for example, "I Found the Treasure" by Dan Schutte).

Jesus is the One Savior of the World. His is the only name under heaven by which we find salvation: the fullness of life to which God has called all people. We take inspiration from the theme of the 46^th International Eucharistic Congress, "For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free." We have been drawn to the Eucharistic Lord, the one whose sacrifice sets us free for true freedom: the freedom of the children of God in whom God's Spirit dwells. The Spirit reveals to us the deep, hidden matters of God. The Spirit brings us to center our lives on Jesus. The Spirit, released into our hearts in the dying of God the Son, allows us to pray, "Abba, Father!" (Pray together, or sing in chant the Our Father.)

Closing Hymn (melody: Ode to Joy).

Secret past imagination, dazzling and compelling awe;
Sacrament and celebration richer than the ancient law:
Faith can see by revelation more than senses ever saw.
Faith can see by revelation more than senses ever saw.

Praise the Lord with exultation for the marvels he has done:
Blessings, pow'r and adoration to the Father and the Son
For creation and salvation; and the Spirit, Three in One.
For creation and salvation; and the Spirit, Three in One.

This outline for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is provided by the Daughters of St. Paul, an international congregation of consecrated women who serve the Church with the communications media. We ask that you remember our congregation, mission, and special intention of vocations in your prayer. When you are on-line, visit us at www.pauline.org.