The Litany of Humility: A Prayer of Grace and Growth
In a world where ambition and recognition often dominate our lives, the Litany of Humility offers a countercultural invitation to place our trust in God and let go of our ego. This powerful prayer, rooted in the teachings of Jesus, has the potential to transform hearts by fostering humility and a deeper reliance on God’s will.
Why Pray the Litany of Humility?
Humility is not about self-deprecation but about seeing ourselves as God sees us: beloved, yet in need of His grace. The Litany of Humility, traditionally attributed to Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val, challenges us to let go of our desires for praise and acknowledgment and instead focus on glorifying God in all that we do.
Praying this litany can help us:
- Grow in virtue by recognizing our dependence on God.
- Detach from the world’s approval, freeing us to love others authentically.
- Strengthen our relationship with God, as we align our desires with His plan for our lives.
How to Pray the Litany of Humility
The Litany is a series of petitions and responses, often prayed slowly and meditatively. It can be incorporated into your morning prayer routine, as part of an examination of conscience, or during Eucharistic adoration. You might also reflect on each line, journaling about areas in your life where humility is most needed.
Here’s how to pray it:
- Begin with a moment of silence, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you.
- Pray the litany attentively, allowing its words to challenge and comfort you.
- Conclude with a prayer asking for God’s grace to grow in humility daily.
The Litany of Humility
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Praying the Litany of Humility regularly can deepen your faith and bring peace to your heart as you surrender your ego to the love of Christ. Try incorporating it into your spiritual life and witness the transformation it brings.
Let’s Share the Journey!
Have you prayed the Litany of Humility before? Share your experience or your favorite line in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another in our quest to grow in faith and humility!
