HOLY HOUR - SILENT PRAYER AND REFLECTION BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT FOLLOWED BY THE EUCHARIST.
This is a traditional opportunity to spend some quiet time in prayer together in the Eucharistic presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Holy Hour has its origins in Jesus' own words to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion: ‘Could you not watch with me one hour?’ (Matthew 26:40). People use the Holy Hour time differently, but for some it is an opportunity:
First to quiet our minds, acknowledge God's presence and pray;
Second, worship as in focussing purely on God for who he is and giving thanks for who he is;
Third, reflect on our own shortcomings, ask for forgiveness, and ask for strength to repent and start again;
Fourth, rest in silent presence, perhaps reading scripture or listening quietly to God;
Fifth, express our gratitude for specific blessings and gifts in our life;
Sixth, pray for the needs of our family, our friends, our parish church, and our wider world.
We conclude with the Eucharist and Holy Communion.