Hour of Eucharistic Adoration

In Honor of Jesus, the Divine Master

In addition to copies of this prayer outline, a lector should have the Bible marked for the Scripture readings. Participants will also need a copy of Psalm 111, as well as any hymns to be sung in common.

As participants gather in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, it could be helpful to have instrumental music playing softly. This encourages recollection and emphasizes the sacredness of the space and time reserved to prayer.

Leader: The Teacher is here, and he calls you. The Teacher is here, inviting us to listen as he speaks to us in his Word. The Teacher is here, speaking to us of the Father and inviting us to share in his life. This Teacher is Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Sing a hymn in honor of Christ (for example, "Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life").

Leader: The Teacher is here, gazing upon us with love, with tenderness, and with mercy. He who gave his life for us all, gave us the Eucharist so that we can be refreshed and renewed by his self-giving love. Let us open ourselves to his gifts of grace and wisdom by laying before him all that burdens or distracts our hearts. (Give ample time here for everyone to present their special intentions to the Lord. Invite those who wish to, to offer their intentions aloud.) Let us remember before the Lord the special needs of people around the world, especially those people who are not free to gather in prayer, or who do not even know the name of the Lord. (In your prayers, please remember the Daughters of St. Paul around the world.)

Together: Jesus, our Master, we come before you. We have heard your words of eternal life. You alone are the Way to the Father, the gate through which we, your sheep, enter into God's presence. You are the fullness of the Father's Truth, the perfect and final revelation of God's love. Speak, Lord, your servants are listening.

After some moments of silent adoration, a reader can share the message from John 10:10b-18. Silence should follow the reading of the Word of God. The Scripture passage can then be repeated.

Leader: Jesus came to bring us the fullness of life. He offers this fullness of life in every sacramental celebration. He offers us this fullness of life right now. What are the signs of his life in us? (Pause for reflection.) In gratitude for the action of grace in the Church and in our hearts, let us pray Psalm 111.

After silent adoration, a second reader can proclaim Matthew 16:24-28, and its response:

Reader: If you wish to come after Christ,
Response: Take up your cross and follow in his steps.
Reader: He came that we might have life to the full.
Response: Take up your cross and follow in his steps.

A period of silence should follow.

Leader: Jesus is the sole, true and unfailing Way. Bethlehem, Nazareth and Calvary all mark out the divine way of love for the Father, of total generosity, of love for humanity to the point of great sacrifice. Hidden in this is a fullness of life we cannot even imagine. What keeps us from living this life to the full? Jesus, the Divine Teacher and Savior holds nothing back. In honesty and humility, let us open our hearts to the Lord and allow him to point out what it is that hems us in.

Together: Master, substitute your heart for my heart. Substitute your own love for my love of God, for my love of neighbor, especially my closest neighbors, those in my own family. Forgive me for the ways in which, out of fear, I have closed myself off from love. Pardon me for the times I have refused to love others unconditionally, but have set up goals and tests for them. Your will for me is a fullness of life that can only come about through love. Show me this way, Lord, so that I may walk in the truth of your call. Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us and grant us peace.

Sing to Christ, the Savior and Model. ("Jesus the Lord" from Glory and Praise would be very suitable.)

Following reflection and adoration, join in the recitation of the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary. For each mystery, try to discern in the example of Jesus a way you can bring his grace to bear more concretely on your life and relationships.

A final reading from the Bible (John 15:7-17) may be proclaimed.

Leader: The Lord always sends us out as he was sent by the Father: to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom to those who are bound, salvation to those who walk in darkness. He has given us the light of his Word, of his presence, and of his living grace. Let us go out to love and serve the Lord!

Together: Thanks be to God!

Close with a hymn of grateful praise, such as "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee."

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.