Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this. Psalm 37:4-5
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.
Rafael Merry del Val (1865-1930) in the first part of “the Litany of Humility.”
The first part of the litany focuses on our desires.
We all might want to feel esteemed, loved, extolled, honored, praised, preferred to others, consulted, or approved. It is normal to desire these things. But Rafael reminds us to pray not to seek these desires.
When we seek these desires we tend to make them like idols. We pursue them over the Lord, and we get in trouble.
In so doing, we miss what is most important in the process. But when we delight or seek our joy, happiness, and identity in Jesus, we live with order and it positions us to practice generosity.
Where do you find your security and identity? Only when you find it in Jesus do you experience order in your desires and deliverance from a disordered life.
I’ve had an epic week with my mentor in Wisconsin and close friends in Iowa. The time has served to reset my life and my desires. This prayer has helped me. I pray it helps you too.
Jesus, thank you for saving me from myself and from these desires. I desire you above all things. Amen.