I love to go to adoration. I suppose it is a reflection of my pilgrim heart.
While I prefer silent adoration over group prayers, I do find great depth in the traditional shared prayers and hymns at the beginning and end of adoration.
These hymns do a wonderful job of centering our minds and opening our hearts. They really speak to me during my quiet time with Jesus. I even use them when I can't get to adoration as a reminder God is with me, always, no matter where I am.
Hymn of Exposition
O saving Victim, open wide
The gate of heaven to us below.
Our foes press on from every side;
Your aid supply, your strength bestow.
To your great name be endless praise,
Immortal Godhead, One in Three; O grant us endless length of days In our true native land with thee. Amen.
Hymn of Benediction
Down in adoration falling,
This great Sacrament we hail;
Over ancient forms of worship
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith will tell us Christ is present,
When our human senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son who made us free,
And the Spirit, God proceeding
From them Each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty. Amen.
I took the photo at the Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center in Bloomington, IN during adoration with the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate.
