Do you find it difficult to concentrate during a Holy Hour or while praying before the Blessed Sacrament?
On her Instagram account “Rosa y Verbo,” Mexican influencer Paulina explains that we often think of a Holy Hour as simply time to fill. In reality, however, “it is about allowing ourselves to be filled by the presence of Christ.”
If you feel as if you’re not making the most of these moments, she offers practical ideas to accompany Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament—whether exposed in the monstrance or reserved in the tabernacle.
Here are 15 practical ways to help you make the most of your time in adoration and experience a deeper encounter with Jesus:
1) Recognize that Jesus is truly present.
As you begin your prayer time, say: “Lord, I firmly believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament,” or simply repeat, “My Lord and my God.”
2) Take time to give thanks.
Thank Jesus not only for your life, your family, and the blessings of the day, but also for dying on the cross for you. Remember to thank Him even for trials and difficulties that draw you closer to Him.
3) Open your heart.
Say to Him, “Lord, my heart is open—come into it. I allow you to enter and transform it.” Share everything with Him: your burdens, wounds, fears, and joys.
4) Praise God.
Use your own words, sing a hymn such as Tantum Ergo, or repeat short prayers, such as “May my Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament be forever blessed and praised.” Repetition helps us recognize who He is and surrender our lives to Him.
5) Practice silent or contemplative prayer.
Quiet your mind and choose a simple word or phrase that expresses love without asking anything. Breathe deeply and gently return to that word when distracted.
6) Read the Bible.
Meditate on Scripture and ask yourself what Jesus is saying to you through the passage.
7) Pray for others.
Pray for friends, enemies, and those who suffer. Intercede for those around you, for the Church, the Pope, and priests.
8) Offer this time in reparation.
Say: “Lord, I want to console your Sacred Heart for the wounds we have caused. I ask forgiveness for my sins and for those of the whole world.”
9) Adore Jesus with Mary’s help
Pray a mystery or even a full Rosary. Reflect on the Hail Mary, especially the Annunciation and the Visitation. Ask Our Lady to teach you to love her Son more deeply.
10) Make a resolution.
After time with Him, ask: “Lord, how can I serve you?” Let your prayer lead to action. Choose one concrete way to live differently.
11) Contemplate the Cross.
Look at the crucifix. Reflect on each of Jesus’ wounds and His loving gaze.
12) Use music to aid prayer.
Sing or listen to sacred music to help you enter contemplation.
13) Pray an act of surrender.
Repeat: “Lord, I cannot, but you can—I surrender myself to you,” or simply, “Jesus, I trust in you.” Ask for greater trust in His providence.
14) Bring spiritual reading.
Choose a prayer book or spiritual text that helps deepen your relationship with God.
15) See this as a foretaste of heaven.
Rest in the Lord. Let yourself be filled with His presence and experience the peace of being with Him.
Paulina also notes that if you spent just three minutes on each of these practices, you would have nearly a full hour of prayer.
However, she encourages flexibility rather than rigidity. This is not a checklist, but a guide—an invitation to discover what helps you encounter God most deeply.
“It’s not about checking things off a list,” she explains, “but about discovering which of these help you meet Him, enjoy His presence, and allow His love to transform your heart.”
Above all, she emphasizes choosing what leads to a true encounter with Christ and growth in prayer.