Eucharistic Adoration: A Mother's Answered Prayer and Tips for a Holy Hour
- Leah Brix
- 3 minutes ago
- 5 min read
One hot Tuesday afternoon, my 4-year-old daughter and I were sitting in the front pew of the little Oratory, just a few miles down the road. I've mentioned before that I live in the middle of nowhere, so naturally, this Oratory does as well.
At an intersection where two county roads meet, a few small houses, a blacksmith shop, and the Oratory greet you. If you happen to blink, you wouldn't even notice the "town," but it's a very special place to the locals who are proud of their gorgeous ballfield to the east and beloved bar to the west.
For six months of the year, the Oratory swings wide its doors to celebrate Saturday night mass once a month.
During this time, I spent one hour every Tuesday afternoon with Jesus. I typically showed up with several kids in tow. But this particular Tuesday, my big kids had plans, so I walked my 2-year-old over to grandma’s house and bravely invited my young daughter to come to adoration with me.
She had a stack of books and a notebook that kept her busy coloring in. We were all alone this week- the woman who shared our hour had texted me earlier saying she couldn't come.
No problem. Other than the rhythm of the squeaky-old church pew & the staccato of crayons dropping onto wood, I was enjoying that precious hour of silence. I love my children dearly, but an hour of not hearing, "Mom," was glorious.
2:35 PM hits. We are in the final stretch of the hour. My sweet 4-year-old starts to get real wiggly, and the creaking increases as she shifts her weight around and bounces her leg.
It's the dreaded potty dance. She loudly whispered the words I had already anticipated. "I have to go potty!"
I softly told her that she needed to hold it.
She panic-hissed back that she couldn't!
Crap.
So I double genuflected and walked to the back of the church with her. I mention this part because I was 8 months pregnant; it was a pitiful sight!
I made it to the back of the church and whisper-commanded her to walk down the super creepy stairs, find the light switch, walk to the end of the room, find the bathroom, and reach around for the light switch.
She was flustered and unable to comprehend my long list of instructions.
I was flustered and unable to think clearly.
"Jesus, I'm in a pickle! I can't leave you alone! But I'm in a really bad spot right now. Help me!” I silently prayed as I paced back and forth behind the last row of pews, hoping that she would run down the steps in desperation and independently find the bathroom.
I'm still not sure why I did this, but realizing she wasn't going to go by herself, and knowing the gravity of staying with Jesus, I slowly made my way back to the front. I chose to trust Jesus, even though I knew that this particular child had a history of accidents.
Trying to focus on my trust and ignore the thudding of my heartbeat at the thought of cleaning up an accident in church, I knelt down for a moment, trying my hardest not to cry or freak out.
Then heard the groan of the old wooden doors open and heavy footsteps coming to rest in the back pew.
A quick glance over my shoulder confirmed that a man was now keeping watch, so I rushed back out of the pew, down the steps, into the creepy basement, and to the bathroom. Whew.
We came back up and peacefully enjoyed the last few minutes of our Holy Hour.
You may not be impressed by my story, but I need you to realize that in this sleepy little church, tucked between cornfields and silos, I have never had someone join me on my hour that wasn't assigned. I've had people stay late or come early, but never that early and never that man.
Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he come that day? How could his timing have been so perfect?
Was he an angel?
I had never seen him before and never saw him again. But that mysterious man was certainly an answer to my prayer!
Last week, I told you about the not-so-subtle nudge God gave me to sign up for a Holy Hour at the big church in town, and I talked about the significance of the Holy Hour. This week I wanted to dive a little deeper into some of the "rules" of adoration.
Well, actually, there really aren't any! Other than NEVER leave Jesus unattended, I suppose. That means that if the person assigned to the hour after yours gets stuck behind a combine in the middle of October, you will get to spend some extra time with Jesus that day!
It is a general courtesy to double genuflect while entering and exiting your pew, meaning you drop down on both knees, do the sign of the cross, then stand back up.
What's the dress code? There isn't one, as long as you are modestly dressed. Many people pop in on their way to or from work or school.
On a personal note, out of reverence for the Most Holy Sacrament, I choose to wear a skirt or dress and my chapel veil. I try not to be scrupulous, though, so if the opportunity arises and I am wearing jeans or don't have my veil, I like to think Jesus is just happy I came to say hi!
What do you DO in adoration? That's my absolute favorite part about it! You get to do anything you'd like! As the name states, you are there to adore Jesus, but that looks different each time I go!
Sometimes I sit and stare at Him- just resting in the silence.
Sometimes I prayer journal because it's the only way to have a one-track mind to properly talk to Him.
Today I prayed my rosary-the Joyful Mysteries- and meditated on the early life of Jesus while I walked up and down the short side row of pews bouncing a fussy baby.
At the Oratory, the lady on the hour before me played the piano for Jesus. You could sing if your adoration buddy wouldn't mind.
I like to bring spiritual reading with me, so the writings of the saints, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or prayer books.
I've even brought my to-do list and calendar with me many times, discussing the logistics with Jesus.
What I'm trying to say is that the hour can be filled in whatever way, or ways, you connect most with Jesus.
If you are curious about the mechanics of " how to" pray, you can check out these links-
But above all, praise Him because He is good.
Worship Him because He is holy.
Adore Him for He is the Lord.
Love Him for He is Love.
And thank Him, for all good things come from Him.
Until next time, your sister in Christ,
Leah
