This Eucharistic Prayer Companion is designed to help you spend thirty minutes to an hour in meditation and silent prayer with Jesus during Eucharistic adoration. Even if you cannot be physically present in a church or adoration chapel with the Blessed Sacrament, you can unite yourself spiritually to Jesus in the Eucharist as you spend this time in prayer.
WORK OF MERCY: Admonish the Sinner
THE GRACE I SEEK: to turn away from sin towards Jesus
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.
Pause for a few moments, and allow yourself to become aware of Jesus’ gift of himself in the Eucharist. Realize that, at this very moment, the Lord of Life is gazing upon you with great love. Allow yourself to receive his loving gaze. You are his beloved child. Rest in his loving gaze.
Thank Jesus for the gift of himself in the Eucharist.
ASK FOR THE GRACE: Jesus, help me to turn away from any sin in my life.
Read slowly, 3–4 times. Allow the words of Scripture to wash over your mind and heart. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through this passage.
“Beloved: Christ suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)
Allow yourself to sit with these questions for a while, being attentive to how the Lord is speaking in your heart.
During this time of Lent, Jesus is inviting us to root out sin in our lives as the first step in cultivating a culture that does not accept sin. What is one area of sin you are struggling with right now? Be concrete and specific. Give this struggle to Christ on the Cross so that he can put it to death.
Read slowly, 3–4 times. Again, allow the words of Scripture to wash over your mind and heart. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you in a personal way through this passage.
“After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: ‘This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’” (Mark 1:14–15)
Repenting of sin—turning away from what distracts us from Jesus—is only half the battle. We must also make an effort to build a culture that does not accept sin. We must cast aside sinful alliance and learn to walk together with Christ. How is the Lord calling you to support others in humility as they learn to walk more closely with him? Ask him who in your life he is calling you to assist in seeking out his merciful love.
Remain in silence with the Lord. Allow him to speak in the silence, in your heart. Receive his presence. If it helps, write down what you sense the Lord communicating to you during this time of prayer.
Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observances of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect, First Sunday of Lent)
At every Mass, Jesus offers himself to the Father for us. We can always join our own offerings with Jesus at Mass. This Sunday, offer your desire to turn away from a specific sin and focus your attention more fully on Jesus. Joining your sacrifice to his, consider praying for all those in the world who struggle with your same area of sin and are not repentant.
In the Gospel reading above, Jesus asks us to “repent, and believe in the gospel.” To believe in the Gospel message more deeply, we must immerse ourselves in the actual reading of the Gospels. Consider giving yourself a Lenten challenge to read from the Gospels for a set amount of time each day, even if it is only five minutes. Allow that prayerful reading of the Gospels to help you turn away from sin, and encourage others to do the same.
Would you like to print a copy of this resource to bring with you to the chapel for prayer? Click here to download the Eucharistic Meditations for the Lenten Season in English or Spanish.
