“Come and behold him.”

This article is the second in a five-part series on prayer, particularly for Advent, from Father Michael Voithofer, pastor of St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Omaha and leader of two prayer ministries: Ablaze Worship Ministry and a local campus of Encounter School of Ministry. Look for further teachings to be posted over the next several days.

During Advent – and throughout the year – make time to worship before Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist.

That’s the advice from Father Voithofer, who’s made worship of the Blessed Sacrament central to his ministries in the archdiocese, in Ablaze Worship Ministry and at the local campus of Encounter School of Ministry, which equips disciples with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Father Voithofer urges everyone to make eucharistic adoration a regular part of their personal prayer lives.

“Just look at Jesus in the Eucharist and pray boldly,” he advises. “Have you taken time to sit in front of the Eucharist and adore the Lord, so you can encounter him in his love for you?”

So important is the Eucharist that the Second Vatican Council proclaimed it as “the source and summit of the Christian life.”

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is re-emphasizing that primacy by calling for a three-year eucharistic revival for a “deep and sustained focus on the Eucharist,” according to Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota.

The revival begins next year, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi. It will culminate with a National Eucharistic Congress, the first in almost 50 years. 

While praying before the Lord, don’t be timid, Father Voithofer recommended.

“God has more for you,” he said. “And if you don’t ask, if you don’t seek, you’ll never receive. You’ve got to ask.”

Be persistent like the woman in the parable of the unjust judge who pleads before him unceasingly, Father Voithofer said. “Eventually he gives her what she wants because she keeps asking.” 

“God has more for us,” he said. “Am I asking? Am I persistent? Am I asking boldly?”

Go to your church for eucharistic adoration, and surrender to God’s care, he urged.

Meet him in Holy Communion, to grow “in communion with Christ, becoming one with him,” so you can live the life of a disciple and become a saint.

Click here for part 1!

Click here for part 3!