10 Minute Challenge

By Chris Martinez, Director of Liturgy

Jesus asked his disciples (and us), “Can you not stay awake one hour with me?” We often interpret it as, “Can you not spend one hour with me?” And for many of us, we know what our answer is, “No, Jesus I can’t.” It’s what we think our reality is. We’re just so busy, how could we? Work, home, children, school, social life, travel, family, bills, a lack of confidence that we even know how to pray correctly. I think all of these factor into us believing, or choosing, not to spend an hour with the Lord, especially in front of the Blessed Sacrament in adoration.

It can be really hard to find the time to fit in adoration in our weekly life. Our time is valuable, and when life is happening and busy, often carving out an hour for adoration is just not a priority.

But hey, Jesus still offers us this invitation and is waiting for us to visit him. During the month of the July we want to express that desire of Jesus and to respond to him. We want to increase our desire for the Eucharist (to adore the Eucharist, to receive the Eucharist, to be transformed by the Eucharist).

So, instead of trying to fit in one hour, for the month of July, we’re going to start with just 10 minutes. Even 10 minutes with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament would be pleasing to Jesus. I promise he will delight in it. In seeing you.

Can we spend 10 minutes with the Eucharist? That’s something I think we can do. 10 minutes is enough time for Jesus to change our life. That is real. Let us enter into this month, with the confidence that not only can we make it to the chapel for 10 minutes (hopefully on a weekly occasion), but that it would change our lives.

If you’re not sure how or what to pray even for 10 minutes, here are some simple thoughts on prayers to offer:

“Jesus, thank for these 10 minutes with you, help me to trust that this time will bear much fruit in the next coming days.”

“Jesus, how are you today? What concerns are on your heart?”

“Jesus confirm my heart, and mind, and ears to know the sound of your voice, to help me do your will.”

“Jesus, you are so good. Help me to love you, as you love me.”

After all of these spend a few moments in quiet to see how Jesus responds, because he wants to.