Ever wondered what to do during a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration? The Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction, #95, says:

During the exposition there should be prayers, songs, and readings to direct the attention of the faithful to the worship of Christ the Lord. To encourage a prayerful spirit, there should be readings from scripture with a homily or brief exhortations to develop a better understanding of the eucharistic mystery. It is also desirable for the people to respond to the word of God by singing and to spend some periods of time in religious silence.

Further, the liturgy of the hours may also be celebrated during lengthy periods of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

But what do you do if you’re by yourself during your Holy Hour? Todd Flowerday, another Catholic blogger, has put together a minute-by-minute plan of things to do during your Holy Hour.

However, not all devotional activities might be appropriate during a Holy Hour of adoration, since the adoration itself is meant to “direct the attention of the faithful to the worship of Christ the Lord” (see also Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, #165). So not all the activities suggested by Todd might fit. But his list is a good start for those who might have trouble focusing their attention or who are new to praying in lengthy adoration.

Posted on September 30, 2006 by hyee