Ethan Walker
A Holy Hour is a devotion in which Catholics spend an hour in prayer, dedicating that time to being with Jesus. It is traditionally done in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, but it can be done anywhere, at any time. The important part of making a Holy Hour is preparing yourself to spend the full hour with God. There are many ways to pray during a Holy Hour, including reading Scripture, listening to worship music, journaling, or simply sitting and talking with God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 1 hour |
| Location | Anywhere, but traditionally in a church |
| Purpose | To be present with God, deepen your faith, and grow closer to Jesus |
| Preparation | Prepare for a peaceful hour of meditation |
| Materials | Tabernacle with a lit sanctuary lamp, a Bible, and perhaps a Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church |
| Prayer | Be silent, attentive, and alert. You can read Scripture, listen to worship music, journal, or simply talk with God. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing for a Holy Hour
To prepare for this time of prayer, it is recommended to have a tabernacle with a lit sanctuary lamp, a Bible, and perhaps a Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Beginning with silence is a good way to start a Holy Hour. Take a few minutes to calm your thoughts and settle your heart and mind. You can do this through deep breathing or by praying a short prayer, such as "Come, Holy Spirit," a Psalm, or the Lord's Prayer.
The next step is to be attentive and present with God. This is a time to put aside distractions and focus solely on Him. Adoration and gratitude are key elements of this time, where one can simply sit and talk with God, expressing love, trust, and adoration. It is also a time to listen and allow God to speak to your heart.
In preparation for this intimate time with God, it is helpful to examine your conscience and identify areas where you may need God's mercy and forgiveness. This honest introspection will deepen your connection with Him during your Holy Hour.
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Reading Scripture
To begin, find a quiet place and get comfortable. You may wish to start with some deep breathing to settle your heart and mind. You can then open your Bible and begin to read. You might like to read the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday, or a Psalm.
As you read, contemplate the words and allow them to speak to your heart. Listen for any messages that God may be trying to convey to you. Reading Scripture during a Holy Hour is not just about studying the words on the page, but about allowing yourself to be fully present with God and open to his guidance.
If you are praying before the Blessed Sacrament, you might like to take some time to gaze at Jesus and rest in wonder at who God is and how He invites you to know Him. You can also use this time to reflect on your own life and ask God for guidance or forgiveness.
In addition to reading Scripture, you may wish to incorporate other practices into your Holy Hour, such as worship music, journaling, or simply sitting and talking with God. Remember, the most important part of making a Holy Hour is preparing yourself to spend a full hour in prayer and meditation with God.
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Listening to worship music
You can listen to worship music at any time during your Holy Hour. You might choose to begin your Holy Hour with music to help you settle into a peaceful and prayerful mindset. Alternatively, you could listen to music at various points throughout your Holy Hour to enhance your worship and maintain a sense of focus. For example, you might play music during periods of reflection or as you read Scripture. Music can also be a great way to conclude your Holy Hour, leaving you with a sense of peace and joy as you go about your day.
There are many different types of worship music that you can listen to during your Holy Hour. You might choose to listen to traditional Catholic music, such as Gregorian chants or Taizé songs. These types of music have a long history in the Catholic Church and can help you to connect with the rich tradition of the faith. Alternatively, you could listen to more contemporary worship music, which is often characterised by praise and song. This style of music may be more familiar to you if you have attended non-denominational Christian churches, and it can be a powerful way to express your love and gratitude to God.
You can also sing along with the music to make your worship more interactive and engaging. Singing can be a form of prayer, allowing you to praise God and express your emotions. If you are meeting with others for your Holy Hour, you can sing together, creating a sense of unity and community as you worship God.
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Journaling
Prepare Your Journal
Before you begin your Holy Hour, ensure that you have your journal and a writing implement with you. You may also wish to bring a Bible and any other religious texts or prayer books that you find meaningful. If you are praying in a church, you may want to check if there are any specific guidelines or resources available for your Holy Hour.
Begin with Silence and Prayer
Start your Holy Hour by kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament and calming your thoughts. Spend a few minutes in silence, focusing your mind and heart on God. You can pray silently or aloud, using a traditional prayer or your own words. A sample prayer you may wish to use is:
> "My precious and divine Lord, Jesus. I kneel before Your hidden majesty and adore Your sacred presence with my mind and heart. I believe You are here, present in this most Holy Sacrament. As I begin this hour of prayer, I say 'Yes' to all that You wish to do in my soul. Speak to me, console me, consume me, enlighten me. Remove all distractions from my wandering mind and help me to be attentive only to You, my God and my All."
Journal Your Thoughts and Prayers
During your Holy Hour, you may wish to journal your thoughts, prayers, and feelings. You can write down your intentions, seek spiritual guidance, or express your gratitude to God. If you are unsure what to write, you can use a combination of reading, reflection, and prayer to guide your journaling:
- Read a passage from the Bible or another religious text.
- Reflect on the passage and how it speaks to you in your current life circumstances.
- Pray about what you have read and reflected on, and journal your thoughts, feelings, and conversations with God.
Make a Resolution
In the final five minutes of your Holy Hour, you can make a resolution to act on the guidance you have received from the Holy Spirit. Write down a specific and achievable action that you can take to follow the light of the Holy Spirit in your daily life. You can also pray for guidance and support in keeping your resolution.
Reflect and Review
After your Holy Hour, take some time to review your journal and reflect on your experience. Note any insights or revelations you gained during your time of prayer and silence. You can also use your journal to track your spiritual growth and development over time.
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Sitting in silence
You can begin your Holy Hour by kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament in silence, calming your thoughts, and meditating on a preparatory prayer. You can use this time to ask the Holy Spirit to help you. You can also make acts of faith, hope, and charity. Tell God how you believe, trust, and love Him.
During the rest of your Holy Hour, you can continue to sit in silence, allowing God's presence to wash over you. You can also pray silently, or read Scripture, listen to worship music, or journal.
In his book, Treasure in Clay, Venerable Fulton J. Sheen writes, "I keep up the Holy Hour to grow more into his likeness … We become like that which we gaze upon. Looking into a sunset, the face takes on a golden glow. Looking at the Eucharistic Lord for an hour transforms the heart in a mysterious way as the face of Moses was transformed after his companionship with God on the mountain."
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