The “Litany of Humility” is a profound and transformative prayer that invites the faithful to embrace true humility in their spiritual lives.
Composed by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val, who was the Secretary of State to Pope Saint Pius X, the litany seeks to cultivate a heart that is free from pride and self-importance, striving instead for genuine humility and a deeper reliance on God’s grace.
Join us as we explore this beautiful prayer, uncovering its profound impact and timeless relevance for every believer seeking to grow closer to Christ through the virtue of humility.
Table of Contents
The Litany of Humility
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
Deliver me, O 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 go 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.
Amen
How to Pray the Litany of Humility
Step 1: Find a Quiet Place
Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you can pray without distractions. This could be a special prayer corner in your home, a church, or any peaceful environment.
Step 2: Begin with the Sign of the Cross
Start your prayer by making the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Step 3: Center Yourself
Take a few moments to quiet your mind and heart. Breathe deeply and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer.
Step 4: Pray the Litany of Humility
Recite the Litany of Humility, pausing briefly after each petition to reflect on its meaning.
Step 5: Conclude with a Closing Prayer
After completing the litany, take a moment to offer your own personal prayer, asking Jesus to help you grow in humility and to live out the virtues you have prayed for.
Step 6: End with the Sign of the Cross
Finish your prayer by making the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Step 7: Reflect on Your Prayer
Spend a few minutes in silent reflection, contemplating the virtues of humility and how you can incorporate them into your daily life.
Praying the Litany of Humility regularly can help you cultivate a spirit of meekness and a deeper reliance on God’s grace, transforming your heart and mind to be more like Christ’s.
Why Pray the Litany of Humility
Praying the Litany of Humility is a powerful way to cultivate a spirit of meekness and selflessness, essential virtues in the Christian life. This prayer helps individuals confront and overcome their desires for recognition, praise, and approval, which can often lead to pride and vanity. By earnestly reciting these petitions, one seeks to align their heart more closely with the humility of Christ, who exemplified perfect humility and service.
Regularly praying the Litany of Humility fosters a deeper reliance on God’s grace, promotes inner peace, and encourages a greater focus on serving others with a loving and humble heart.
When to Pray the Litany of Humility
The Litany of Humility is particularly effective during moments of personal struggle with pride, jealousy, or vanity, providing a way to seek God’s grace for overcoming these challenges. Incorporating it into a regular prayer routine, whether daily, weekly, or monthly, can foster a lasting spirit of humility and align your intentions with Christ’s example. Additionally, praying this litany during Lent enhances your spiritual journey by encouraging deeper reflection and repentance.
When Needed
The Litany of Humility can be particularly effective during moments of personal struggle, especially when feelings of pride, jealousy, or vanity arise. If you find yourself seeking excessive approval or recognition, or if you’re battling negative emotions like resentment or envy, turning to this prayer can help reorient your heart and mind. Praying the Litany of Humility in these times allows you to invite God’s grace to overcome these challenges, fostering a spirit of humility and reliance on His love and guidance.
As Part of a Routine – Daily, Weekly, Monthly
Incorporating the Litany of Humility into your regular prayer routine can have lasting benefits for your spiritual growth. Praying it daily can help you start or end your day with a focus on humility, aligning your intentions and actions with Christ’s example. A weekly recitation can serve as a spiritual check-in, helping you reflect on the past week and renew your commitment to living humbly. Even monthly, this litany can be a valuable practice, allowing for deeper introspection and spiritual renewal. Whether daily, weekly, or monthly, regular prayer of the Litany of Humility helps instill its virtues into the fabric of your life.
During Lent
Lent is a season of penance, reflection, and spiritual growth, making it an ideal time to incorporate the Litany of Humility into your prayer life. This period calls for a deeper examination of one’s heart and a greater focus on repentance and humility. Praying the Litany of Humility during Lent can enhance your Lenten journey, helping you to let go of pride and self-centeredness, and to embrace a spirit of sacrifice and service. By regularly reciting this prayer throughout Lent, you can more fully participate in the season’s call to conversion and prepare your heart for the celebration of Easter.
