A Beginner's Guide To Adoration | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Beginner's Guide To Adoration

You don't have to just sit there and stare at the altar.

246
A Beginner's Guide To Adoration
NDSMC Observer

If there's one thing I never understood growing up, it was adoration. You mean we're supposed to just sit here for an hour? I'd think every time my CCD class would be required to attend adoration. I'd sit there and count the seconds till it ended, not sure what to do and not even giving it a try. After my forced adoration experiences in CCD, I wrote it off as something not for me and figured I'd never go voluntarily.

Fast forward a few years, and I'm a junior in college. Recently, the chapel in my dorm started holding adoration every Thursday evening, and while at first I assumed I'd never go, I heard other students talking about how much peace it brought them and how close to God they felt after spending just 30 minutes alone with Him in the chapel. I considered going, and when a friend asked me to cover her 30-minute adoration "shift" (students sign up for shifts to ensure somebody is always in the chapel), it was the kick in the butt I needed to go.

Armed with my journal and Bible, I sat towards the front and checked the time: 7:00. I had to stay until at least 7:30. Looking around, I saw other students kneeling, so I did, too. I bowed my head and waited to feel "holy." And waited. And waited.

Frustrated and feeling like I'd been there forever, I checked the time again: 7:03.

Everyone else made adoration look so easy- they say with their eyes closed, seemingly in perfect peace and contentment, while for me, every second seemed to drag. Trying to pass the time, I opened my Bible to a random page, read a verse, then opened my journal to write my thoughts on it.

As I wrote in the Lord's presence, I started to come to new insights, discovering and seeing new insights in Scripture I hadn't ever thought of before. It didn't take long for me to be back on my knees, praying to God and hearing His voice fill me with clarity on all the troubles and stress in my life. After I felt content and fulfilled, I checked the time again: 7:45.

Since then, I've gone to adoration every week. Some nights I find great insights and hear God's voice, other nights it's more like the CCD experiences were I feel awkward and bored, and that's okay. It all depends on what's on my mind and how desperately I need to hear God. That said, I've found bringing my journal, Bible or a devotional helps guide me and get me in the "adoration mood." They're good kick starters for entering into silence with God.

I also like to start by asking God to give me patience and quiet my thoughts. Nowadays, silence isn't really the norm, so the first few moments of adoration feel awkward. The best way to get used to the silence of adoration? Sit with it. If you ask God to sit with you, slowly the awkwardness fades away, adoration goes from the boring thing you're forced to do to the faith-filled experience you choose to go to.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189271
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14327
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457423
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26389
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments