The Litany of Humility

The Litany of Humility is a prayer that helps us follow Jesus by letting go of selfish desires. It teaches us to stop worrying about praise and to trust God more. This prayer asks Jesus to free us from pride and fear so that we can love others better. It is a simple but challenging way to grow closer to Him.

Each line of the prayer invites us to look at our hearts honestly. We ask Jesus to take away our desire for attention and our fear of being forgotten or disliked. This is not easy, but it leads us to greater peace. By letting go of these worries, we become more open to God’s plan for our lives.

The prayer also shows us what true humility means. Humility does not mean thinking we are worthless. It means thinking of ourselves less and caring more about others. The Litany of Humility helps us rejoice in the good things others receive. It calls us to want their success, even before our own.

Praying this litany can change how we see the world. It turns our hearts away from competition and comparison. It reminds us that our worth comes from God, not from what people think of us. This prayer brings freedom and peace when we learn to trust God and love others as Jesus loves us.

The Litany of Humility was written by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val in the early 1900s. He served as Secretary of State for Pope Saint Pius X. Cardinal del Val was known for his simple and humble spirit, even though he held an important role in the Church. His prayer shows his desire to follow Jesus, who is meek and humble of heart.

The word “litany” means a series of short prayers or petitions. In the Litany of Humility, each petition asks Jesus for help to let go of pride and fear. The person praying speaks a request, and then repeats a simple response. This pattern makes the prayer easy to follow and very reflective. For group prayer, the leader speaks the petition and all reply with the response.

Litanies are often prayed aloud or quietly in a meditative way. The rhythm of repeating the same response helps focus the mind and heart. It also invites the person praying to pause and think about each line. Over time, the prayer can shape how we think and act.

This litany is special because it does not ask for blessings or honors. Instead, it asks for the grace to be happy when others succeed. It encourages us to place others first and trust God with our own needs. This makes it a prayer that can guide daily life in a simple but deep way.

The Litany of Humility connects closely to the teachings of Jesus. He said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). The prayer reminds us to live this truth every day. It also echoes Philippians 2:3, which tells us to value others more than ourselves. By praying this litany, we learn to follow Jesus, who showed perfect humility in His life and death.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Humility is the foundation of prayer” (CCC 2559). This means we must come before God with open and trusting hearts. The Litany of Humility helps us do this by asking Jesus to take away our pride and fear. It teaches us to rely on God’s love instead of the approval of others. This is the first step to growing closer to Him.

In Catholic catechesis, this prayer can help explain the meaning of virtue. It shows that true strength comes from serving others and trusting God. Teachers and catechists can use it to help children and teens see that humility is not weakness. It is choosing to love others as Jesus does.

Youth ministry can also benefit from this prayer. Many young people feel pressure to compete and compare themselves to others. The Litany of Humility gives them a new way to think. It encourages them to be happy for others’ success and to trust God with their own future. This builds peace, stronger friendships, and a deeper faith.

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 in Song by Danielle Rose

Danielle Rose’s musical rendition of the Litany of Humility transforms the prayer into a beautiful song, making its powerful message more accessible and engaging. By setting this prayer to music, Danielle Rose helps listeners connect with the themes of humility and selflessness on a deeper emotional level. This format allows the prayer’s plea for divine assistance in overcoming pride and fear to resonate more profoundly. Music can be a powerful tool in prayer, and Danielle Rose’s song is a perfect example of how melodies can enhance the spiritual experience of traditional prayers.

I Shall Not Want by Audrey Assad

Audrey Assad’s song “I Shall Not Want” draws inspiration from the Litany of Humility, although it does not match the text word for word. This song beautifully captures the essence of seeking freedom from the binds of fear and desire through God’s grace. Assad’s lyrics delve into the heart’s deep fears and the soul’s yearning for divine deliverance, making it a poignant musical reflection on humility and dependence on God. It’s an evocative piece that extends the prayer’s themes into a broader exploration of human vulnerability and spiritual longing.

Gentle Spirit: The Beauty of Humility

This peaceful image reflects the quiet strength of a humble heart turned toward God. Perfect for prayer resources, bulletins, or newsletters, it reminds us of the grace found in simplicity and trust in the Lord. Use this artwork to inspire reflection and a deeper sense of surrender to God’s will.

Download it today to share the message of humility and faith with your community.

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What is the Litany of Humility?

The Litany of Humility is a Catholic prayer written by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val in the early 1900s. It asks Jesus to help us let go of pride and fear. It teaches us to trust God more and to care about others before ourselves.

Why should I pray the Litany of Humility?

This prayer helps us become more like Jesus. It reminds us that our worth comes from God, not from what others think. It also teaches us to rejoice in the success of others. Praying it often can help us live with more peace and love.

When can I pray the Litany of Humility?

You can pray it anytime. Many people pray it during quiet prayer time in the morning or evening. It is also a good prayer before Confession or Adoration because it helps prepare your heart.

Is the Litany of Humility hard to pray?

Some parts can feel challenging because it asks us to give up our desire for praise. It also asks us to hope for others to succeed. But praying it slowly helps. You can ask Jesus to give you the grace to mean each line, even if it feels difficult.

Can children or teens pray the Litany of Humility?

Yes. The Litany of Humility is good for young people too. It can help them deal with pressure from school or social media. It teaches them that God’s love matters more than popularity or success.

Do I have to pray the Litany of Humility every day?

No, you can pray it as often as you feel called to. Some people pray it daily, while others pray it once a week or only during special times, like retreats or Lent. Even praying it once in a while can help remind you to trust God and serve others.

The Litany of Humility is a prayer that asks Jesus to help us let go of pride and fear. It teaches us to stop worrying about what others think and to trust God more. This prayer leads us to care about others first, just as Jesus did.

Each line of the prayer invites us to give up the desire for praise or attention. It also asks for the grace to rejoice when others are honored or succeed. This can be hard, but it brings peace when we learn to trust God’s plan for us.

The Litany of Humility also teaches the true meaning of humility. It is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. It reminds us to serve others and hope for their good.

This prayer is helpful in youth ministry because it speaks to the struggles young people face. It encourages them to let go of competition and comparison. It helps them build friendships based on kindness and faith.

Have you prayed the Litany of Humility? What did it mean for you? Did it help you see things differently or trust God more?

We would love to hear from you. Share your experience with this prayer in the comments below. Your thoughts might encourage someone else to pray it too.