Throughout the Gospels we read that Jesus took himself away from the crowds to be alone so that he might pray.

We have an opportunity to do the same in our community every Thursday evening from 7:00pm, with the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Exposition and ending with Evening Prayer. We gather for one hour of silent personal prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament which is exposed in the Monstrance [Latin verb - to show] on the altar.

There is something quite wonderful about being in the Church in the silence which allows and leads gently into both meditation (Meditatio) and contemplation (Contemplatio), two of the three forms of prayer.

The priest leads us into the third form of prayer - spoken (Oratio) - at the conclusion of the hour and music is played to signify the end of the hour.

Finally, benediction is given by the priest raising the Monstrance from the altar and by presenting the Blessed Sacrament to the four corners of the Church where those present have knelt in prayer. The Blessed Sacrament is returned to the Tabernacle and the Mass of the Day or a Votive Mass is celebrated which concludes the Liturgy.

Those who attend bring an added dimension because their faith has led them into a deep desire for a time of prayer, meditation and contemplation which they share together in absolute silence and in communion with God and with one another.

Background

Holy Hour is the devotional tradition of spending an hour in Eucharistic adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

The inspiration for the Holy Hour is Matthew 26:40.

In the Gospel of Matthew, during the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion, Jesus spoke to his disciples, saying "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." 

Returning to the disciples after prayer, he found them asleep and in Matthew 26:40 he asked Peter:

"So, could you men not keep watch with me for an hour?”