Humility Prayer

Humility is an important part of the Christian life. It helps us remember that God is at the center, not ourselves. This humility prayer asks God for help to let go of pride and selfishness. It reminds us that our focus should be on God and serving others, not on how we appear to others.

Many of us struggle with wanting to be admired or noticed. We want people to think highly of us, and we worry about their opinions. This can lead us to focus too much on ourselves. The prayer asks God to free us from this habit so we can follow Him more fully.

The prayer also points out how easy it is to spend time thinking about praise or criticism. We can get distracted by what others say or imagine situations where we look impressive. This focus on ourselves gets in the way of humility and discipleship. The prayer asks God to guide us away from this.

Finally, this prayer teaches us to look to Jesus as our example. Jesus showed perfect humility by putting others first and doing the will of the Father. By asking God to make us humble like Jesus, we ask for the grace to live as true followers of Christ.

The Humility Prayer has its roots in the timeless struggle of pride versus humility. Throughout history, Christians have prayed for help to let go of self-centeredness and focus on God. This prayer captures that same longing. It reflects the teachings of saints and Scripture about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility.

The format of the prayer is simple and direct. It begins with an honest confession of how we are often too concerned with others’ opinions. It then asks God for help in turning away from prideful habits, like seeking praise or being discouraged by criticism. Finally, it asks for the grace to follow the example of Jesus, who showed perfect humility.

The prayer is not tied to any specific saint or historical figure, but it echoes themes from many spiritual writers. Saints like Augustine and Francis of Assisi wrote about the need for humility to grow in holiness. This prayer brings those teachings into a modern, personal form that anyone can pray.

By focusing on everyday struggles, like seeking approval or imagining ourselves as more important than we are, the Humility Prayer connects deeply with our lives. It reminds us to shift our attention from ourselves to God and His will.

The Humility Prayer connects deeply to themes in the Bible and Catholic catechesis. The Bible often warns about the dangers of pride and points us to the example of Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5 teaches us to “do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.” This prayer echoes that message by asking God to help us focus less on ourselves and more on others.

In Catholic catechesis, humility is part of growing in holiness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “Humility is the foundation of prayer. Only when we humbly acknowledge that ‘we do not know how to pray as we ought,’ are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer” (CCC 2559). The prayer reflects this truth by asking God for the grace to stop relying on ourselves and to learn from Jesus.

In youth ministry, this prayer can be a helpful tool. Young people often face pressure to be admired or popular. This prayer invites them to see their worth in God’s eyes instead of seeking approval from others. It encourages them to imitate Christ, who was humble and self-giving, even when it was hard.

By using this prayer, youth can connect their faith to real struggles in their lives. It helps them see how humility brings freedom and joy, allowing them to grow closer to God and to others.

God, I am far too often influenced by what others think of me.
I am always pretending to be either richer or smarter or nicer than I really am.
Please prevent me from trying to attract attention.
Don’t let me gloat over praise on one hand or be discouraged by criticism on the other.
Nor let me waste time weaving imaginary situations in which the most heroic, charming, witty person present is myself.
Show me how to be humble of heart, like you.
Amen.

Litany of Humility

The Litany of Humility is another prayer that asks Jesus to help us let go of pride, selfish desires, and fear of what others think. It challenges us to seek humility by asking God to free us from the need for praise, approval, and recognition. The prayer also asks for the grace to accept being overlooked or forgotten and to rejoice when others are honored or loved more than we are. It reminds us to focus on holiness and to follow Jesus, who was meek and humble of heart. This prayer is a great way to grow in humility and trust.

More Catholic Prayers

If you enjoyed the Humility Prayer, you can find more prayers on our Catholic Prayers page. This page includes many prayers for different needs and occasions. Whether you are looking for prayers of praise, petition, or guidance, there is something for everyone. The Humility Prayer is just one example of how prayer can help us grow closer to God and follow Jesus more closely. Visit the Catholic Prayers page to explore more prayers that can inspire and support your faith journey.

What is the Humility Prayer about?

The Humility Prayer is about asking God to help us let go of pride and selfishness. It asks for His help to stop worrying about what others think and to focus on living like Jesus.

Who can pray the Humility Prayer?

Anyone can pray the Humility Prayer. It is helpful for people of all ages, especially those who struggle with pride or seeking approval from others.

How does the Humility Prayer help in daily life?

The Humility Prayer helps us focus less on ourselves and more on God. It reminds us to stop seeking attention or worrying about praise and criticism. It helps us live with greater peace and focus on what matters most.

Can this prayer help young people?

Yes, the Humility Prayer can be very helpful for young people. It teaches them to value themselves as God does instead of looking for approval from others. It helps them put God first and follow the example of Jesus.

Is the Humility Prayer based on the Bible?

Yes, the Humility Prayer reflects many Bible teachings. It follows the example of Jesus in Philippians 2:5-8, where He humbly obeyed the Father and gave His life for others. It also echoes passages about the dangers of pride and the blessings of humility.

Can the Humility Prayer be used in groups?

Yes, it is a great prayer for groups, like in youth ministry or Bible studies. It can help people reflect on their own struggles with pride and encourage them to grow in humility together.

The Humility Prayer is a simple but powerful way to ask God for help with pride and self-centeredness. It begins with an honest admission that we often focus too much on how others see us. This keeps us from putting God first in our lives. The prayer asks for freedom from this habit.

This prayer also addresses everyday struggles like wanting attention, seeking praise, or being discouraged by criticism. It reminds us to focus on serving God and others instead of our own image. It calls us to live with humility and to stop wasting time on self-focused thoughts.

Finally, the Humility Prayer points us to Jesus as the perfect example of humility. Jesus always put others first and followed God’s will. By praying for a humble heart like His, we ask for the grace to follow His path and grow closer to Him.

Have you prayed the Humility Prayer? We’d love to hear how it has helped you. Share your experience or thoughts in the comment section below. Your story could encourage others to reflect on this beautiful prayer.

If you haven’t prayed it yet, take a moment now to ask God for humility and a heart like Jesus’. Let’s grow together in faith and humility!