He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. Luke 1:52
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.
“Litany of Humility” by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val y Zulueta was the Secretary of State to Pope Saint Pius X (1903-1914).
Yesterday in my time of rest which involved sunscreen, sunglasses, and a recliner, I read much of the book From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks. I am part of a group of Christian brothers reading and discussing it.
Brooks cited this prayer among many other great things. It’s an interesting book that offers great advice for “avoiding the snares of workaholism and success addiction, while investing in the relationships that bring true satisfaction.”
Anyway, this prayer struck me because daily I need to ask God to deliver me from wrong thinking and actions and plant in me the desire to walk in His ways. Join me in praying this prayer.
And if you struggle with words like “calumniated” then join the club. I had to look it up. It means slandered falsely. Read it again. Did one or two lines stand out to you. Repeat them as a prayer to Jesus.
Being delivered from bad things and having the grace to desire the right things are gifts from God. May each of us be delivered from things that hinder generosity and may God give us the desire for the things that unleash it for His glory. Amen.