OCIA Session 17 Supplement - Prayer II - Adoration, devotions, and daily spiritual life

Prayer II - Adoration, devotions, and daily spiritual life

Prayer is not meant to be something we do only when we have time or when life gets hard. Prayer is meant to be the rhythm of our daily life - the constant conversation between our hearts and God. St. Paul urges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing.” That does not mean we spend every waking moment on our knees, but that prayer becomes the background music of our lives, always lifting our thoughts and actions toward God.

One of the most beautiful prayer practices in the Catholic Church is Eucharistic Adoration. When the priest places the consecrated Host in the monstrance and sets it on the altar, we are invited to spend time face to face with Jesus in the Eucharist. This is not a symbol - it is Christ Himself, body, blood, soul, and divinity. Sitting before Him in silence, gazing at Him and letting Him gaze at us, transforms our hearts. Jesus asked His disciples in Matthew 26:40, “Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?” In Adoration, we answer that invitation. Even a few minutes before the Blessed Sacrament can bring peace, clarity, and renewal.

Devotions are another way Catholics enrich their prayer lives. These are practices that go beyond the liturgy but help us stay close to God. The Rosary is one of the most loved devotions, inviting us to meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life through Mary’s eyes. The Divine Mercy Chaplet, given through St. Faustina, is a powerful prayer of trust in God’s mercy. Novenas - nine days of focused prayer - help us persevere in asking for particular graces. And the Stations of the Cross invite us to walk with Jesus through His passion, step by step. These devotions do not replace the Mass but draw us deeper into its mystery and extend prayer into our daily lives.

Here’s a humor break: many Catholics have holy water, rosaries, saint medals, and prayer cards tucked into every corner of their homes, cars, and even wallets. A Catholic’s glove box sometimes looks like a small shrine. While it might look funny, it shows something true - we like to be surrounded by reminders of God’s presence. These sacramentals and devotions help us keep prayer close to daily life.

Daily spiritual life also means weaving prayer into ordinary routines. Start and end the day with prayer, even if only a simple “Thank you, Lord” or “Jesus, I trust in You.” Pray before meals to remind yourself that every gift comes from God. Pray when you drive, when you walk, when you feel stressed, or when you feel joyful. Psalm 55:17 says, “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.” Prayer is meant to be steady and frequent, not rare and rushed.

The Liturgy of the Hours, also called the Divine Office, is another daily prayer of the Church. Priests and religious are required to pray it, but lay people are encouraged to join. It includes psalms, Scripture, and intercessions prayed at set times of the day. When you pray it, you join the universal prayer of the Church, uniting with millions around the world.

Take time to reflect: what place does prayer hold in your daily life? Is it something you fit in when convenient, or is it the anchor of your day? How often do you make space for silence to let God speak? What devotions draw you closer to Jesus and Mary?

Here’s your practical challenge: spend at least 15 minutes in Eucharistic Adoration this week. If your parish does not have Adoration, sit in the quiet of the church before the tabernacle. Pray one Rosary or a Divine Mercy Chaplet during the week. Choose one devotion to practice regularly - maybe a novena, maybe morning prayer with Scripture. Build a habit that keeps prayer alive daily.

In closing, remember this: prayer is not meant to be confined to Sundays or emergencies. It is meant to be your daily breath. Adoration draws you close to the living Christ. Devotions keep faith alive in daily life. Prayer in the ordinary moments makes your whole day an offering to God. Next time, we will explore the Mass in depth - walking through each part of the liturgy step by step to see how heaven touches earth every time we gather at the altar. Until then, pray daily, find a devotion that lifts your heart, and keep your eyes fixed on Christ, who is always near.