The Perpetual Adoration Chapel used to be my sanctuary. As of now however, I am just thankful that we can still be in communion with the Holy Eucharist anytime of the day via YouTube’s Perpetual (24/7) Eucharistic Adoration. Yes, it is virtual but the way the candle emits its flame, you can almost feel its warmth and imagine that you’re actually inside the chapel with the Lord.
There is “A Quarter of an Hour before The Blessed Sacrament” guide but I prefer to use my fingers as reference. Somebody told me before that when she prays the Rosary before the Blessed Scarament, she could feel Mama Mary praying with her. I did the same but added some enhancements. There are five decades of the Holy Rosary and we have 5 fingers on our hand. Before I start each decade, I offer intentions based from my version of the 5-Finger Guide.
Starting from the smallest finger, this gives us the hint whom to pray for. Pray for people who are impoverished, physically weak, hospitalized, emotionally deranged, mentally ill, spiritually lost, unemployed, lonely and depressed. These are mostly intercessory prayers. Also include fervent prayers for those who went ahead of us (like Our Lady of Fatima Parish Priest Msgr. Albert Venus whose funeral mass we celebrated this morning with Bishop Jesse Mercado. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.)
Moving on, the ring finger signifies marriage. So before praying the 2nd Decade, offer prayers for your family members, relatives, including people closest to your heart though not related by blood.
The middle finger is the tallest. Pray for the highest ranking official in your country and for the rest of the world, the people leading your province/city/town/village/barangay. Pray for the Pope or the leader of your church, including your parish priest, the CEO or President of the corporation you work for, people leading organizations, associations, formal and informal groups. Then proceed with the 3rd Decade.
Next is your fourth finger, the pointer. Before praying the 4th Decade, pray for your children’s teachers and therapists and for those who teach, advise, cure, counsel, direct and set guidelines. Pray for all professionals that they practice their craft with the welfare of the common good in mind.
Lastly, your thumb points to yourself. After praying for everybody else, time to focus on your wants and desires. Talk to God without any inhibitions. Pour out everything to Him. You may pray spontaneously or follow the ACTS (Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplications). Then pray the last Decade.
After talking continuously, allow yourself to be embraced by God. Keep still. Listen to what He wants to tell you. Open your heart to Him. Always have a notebook and pen beside you to take down notes on His messages. Enjoy your conversations with God!
(Thanks for dropping by my blog and messaging me your comments/reactions. I appreciate them very much! Stay safe everyone.)
