Archbishop Fulton Sheen was known to make a Holy Hour of Adoration every day of his priesthood, without fail. This time spent with God fueled his amazing ministry; his radio and TV evangelization work were seen by millions and made him a household name. He once wrote, “The most brilliant ideas come from meeting God face to face.”
Similarly, our own work and striving for holiness is immeasurably strengthened when we spend time in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
Time and again, I’ve seen for myself how restorative Adoration is. Every time I’ve had to make a difficult decision, or faced struggles, I’ve found solace and strength in the Adoration chapel.
Recently, a friend and I were texting about a really difficult decision she had to make. It was very unclear which of two opposite choices would be best for her.
“Do you have an Adoration chapel near you? I bet if you go have it out with the Lord for half an hour, you will know for sure what your solution should be,” I wrote.
I’d love to say the same to you, dear reader. Take your dilemmas, your hardships, your sorrows, and your joys, and lay them at the feet of Christ in Adoration. A way forward is sure to come to you in prayer.
Whether you’re signed up for a regular Adoration hour, or simply drop in when you can, it can help to have some inspiration for prayer. I like to bring a favorite spiritual book with me when I make a Holy Hour.
Here are 7 of the best books to take with you to Adoration. They can inspire you in prayer and help you grow ever closer to Christ.
1Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe is a simple yet profound little treatise in which the author uses concrete examples from everyday life to show how to respond in a Gospel fashion to the upsetting situations we must all confront.
2My Daily Visitor: Eucharist
This handy devotional with 40 reflection themes helps you to pray and reflect on the source and summit of our Catholic Faith. For each entry, Aleteia.org editor-in-chief Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, offers a brief reflection on a particular quote from a saint and concludes with a prayer. Reflection themes include the Real Presence, the Virgin Mary, forgiveness of sin, sacrifice, breaking of the bread, the Lamb’s Supper, the new covenant, and more. This devotional also contains a collection of prayers before the Eucharist written by saints.
3The Imitation of Christ
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis is the most widely read devotional work next to the Bible, and is a spiritual classic. The author encourages the development of interior life and withdrawal from the world, along with great devotion to the Eucharist.
4The Way by St. Josemaria Escriva
Beloved by millions, The Way is a spiritually rich collection of points for meditation and prayer. The super short reflections offer a lot to ponder, even if you have only a few minutes for prayer.
5The Magnificat Adoration Companion
This lovely little book contains practical suggestions for Adoration and explanations of this ancient devotion, along with profiles of saints who were known for their devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Scripture, meditations to encourage us to enter deeply into the Real Presence, prayers, hymns, and litanies drawn from the treasury of the Church.
6Draw Close to Jesus: A Woman’s Guide to Eucharistic Adoration
Designed especially for women, this book contains heartfelt, practical guidance for meeting Jesus in Adoration and allowing Him to transform our hearts. It contains reflections, encouragement, passages from Sacred Scripture and the Catechism, and stories from the saints.
7In Sinu Jesu: When Heart Speaks to Heart
Written by an anonymous Benedictine monk in 2007, this “journal of a priest at prayer” shines with an intense luminosity and heart-warming fervor. The author’s reflections speak directly to the inner and outer needs of our time with a unique power to console and challenge.
