For those who have never been, silent Eucharistic Adoration can be a somewhat unusual, unexpected experience: There is no singing, no praying aloud, or formal instructions. You simply show up in silence, spend some time in silence, then leave in silence. As St. Aloysius Church begins to offer morning and evening Adoration of the Blessed sacrament every day (6:30 to 7:30 AM & PM), I'd like to offer three simple, practical recommendations for what to do when you go.

#1 - Read Sacred Scripture

Open up your Bible to prayerfully read a passage of Sacred Scripture. Don't rush through the reading. Let the words sink in and ask Jesus, who is truly present in the Eucharist, what he wants you to learn from them. This type of prayerful reading of Scripture is called lectio divina.

It is also appropriate to read other spiritual reading during Eucharistic Adoration. The writings of the saints, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, prayer books, or other texts can help us to focus our minds and hearts on the Lord.

#2 - Pray the Rosary

The Church has long called the Rosary "the compendium of the entire Gospel," because it helps us to reflect upon the mysteries of the life of Jesus. By silently praying the Rosary, we retrace the life of Jesus with Mary, his mother, and ask the grace of deeper conversion. If you don't know how to pray the Rosary, there are plenty of online guides.

#3 - Practice Silent Mental Prayer

Finally, one can simply spend time in a silent heart-to-heart conversation with Jesus, present in the monstrance. This kind of conversational prayer is traditionally called "mental prayer." St. Teresa of Avila beautifully said: "For mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us."

Silently say to Jesus whatever is on your heart. Bring to him your fears, your hopes, your desires, and your joys. Or you can say nothing at all and simply gaze at Jesus in contemplative prayer. Jesus is completely present to you in Eucharistic Adoration - let us learn to be completely present to Him.