Litany of the Call to Discipleship

Discipleship means following Jesus. It is not always easy. It requires trust, courage, and faith. The Litany of the Call to Discipleship is a prayer that asks God for the grace to follow Him. It reminds us of people in the Bible who answered Jesus’ call.

This prayer is structured as a litany. A litany is a series of short prayers with repeated responses. The leader says the first part, and the people respond. This pattern helps us pray together. It also helps us reflect on the message of the prayer.

The Litany of the Call to Discipleship recalls different moments in the Gospels. It mentions Mary, the apostles, and others who followed Jesus. Their stories show us what it means to trust in God. Each response asks for the same faith they had.

This prayer asks for many things. It asks for the courage to say yes, the trust to follow, and the strength to share the Gospel. It reminds us that Jesus calls each of us. When we pray this litany, we ask for the grace to answer His call.

The Litany of the Call to Discipleship is based on a traditional way of praying. Litanies have been used in the Church for centuries. They help people pray together by using short phrases and repeated responses. This makes the prayer easy to follow and remember.

This litany focuses on people in the Gospels who answered Jesus’ call. It begins with Mary, who said yes to God. It includes the apostles, the woman at the well, the sick, and the outcasts. Each verse reminds us how Jesus called people from different backgrounds.

The format of the prayer is simple. A leader says the first part of each line, and the people respond. The responses ask for trust, healing, and strength. By repeating these phrases, we ask God to help us follow Him, just as others did before us.

The Litany of the Call to Discipleship connects to many Bible themes. It reminds us that God calls people from all walks of life. Mary, the apostles, the sick, and the outcasts all heard His call. Some followed right away. Others struggled but still answered. This litany helps us see that discipleship is a journey.

This prayer is also useful in Catholic catechesis. It teaches about vocation, trust, and mission. The Catechism says, “Being a disciple means accepting Jesus’ invitation to belong to God’s family and to live in conformity with His way of life” (CCC 2233). This litany helps people reflect on what it means to follow Jesus today. It encourages them to listen for His call.

Youth ministry can use this litany to make discipleship real for young people. It connects their lives to stories in the Gospel. It shows that following Jesus is not just for saints but for everyone. Praying this litany can help them ask, “How is Jesus calling me?” It invites them to say yes, just like those in the Bible.

Lord have mercy … Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy … Christ have mercy.
Hear my prayer … Hear my prayer.

You called your mother Mary … Teach me to say yes.
You sent the angel Gabriel … Teach me to say yes.
You came into our world … Teach me to say yes.

You called to your apostles … Make me a fisher of people.
They left their nets and boats … Make me a fisher of people.
They spread your gospel everywhere … Make me a fisher of people.

You called the woman at the well … Let me thirst for you.
You knew all of her weaknesses … Let me thirst for you.
You call sinners back to you … Let me thirst for you.

You called the crippled and the lame … Heal me Lord.
You called the blind and the lepers … Heal me Lord.
You called the outcast and forgotten … Heal me Lord.

You called Peter on the water … Help me trust in you.
You walked with him on the sea … Help me trust in you.
You saved him when he faltered … Help me trust in you.

You called the little girl who was asleep unto death … Bring me back to life.
You called Lazarus from the tomb … Bring me back to life.
You are the Resurrection and the Life … Bring me back to life.

Call to me Lord Jesus Christ … Grant me strength to answer.
Send me to your people … Grant me strength to answer.
Let me call them to you. … Grant me strength to answer.

Lord have mercy … Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy … Christ have mercy.
Hear my prayer … Hear my prayer.

Copyright 2022 Young-Catholics.com

More Catholic Prayers

The Litany of the Call to Discipleship is just one of the prayers you can find on our Catholic Prayers page. Prayer helps us grow closer to God and follow His call in our daily lives. Whether you are looking for litanies, traditional prayers, or something for a special occasion, you will find many options there.

Visit our Catholic Prayers page to explore more ways to pray. You can find prayers for strength, guidance, and faith. No matter where you are in your journey, prayer is a way to connect with God. Take a moment to pray today.

What is the Litany of the Call to Discipleship?

The Litany of the Call to Discipleship is a prayer that asks for the grace to follow Jesus. It recalls people in the Bible who answered His call. The prayer helps us reflect on our own call to discipleship.

How is the Litany of the Call to Discipleship prayed?

A leader says the first part of each line, and the people respond with the second part. The repeated responses help focus the prayer. It can be prayed alone or in a group.

What themes are found in the Litany of the Call to Discipleship?

This litany focuses on trust, mission, healing, and saying yes to God. It reminds us that Jesus calls everyone, no matter their past or weaknesses.

Who can use the Litany of the Call to Discipleship?

Anyone can use this prayer. It is helpful for individuals, families, youth groups, and parishes. It works well in retreats, catechesis, and personal prayer.

Why is the Litany of the Call to Discipleship good for youth ministry?

This litany helps young people see that Jesus calls them today. It connects their lives to Bible stories. It encourages them to trust in God and follow His call.

Can the Litany of the Call to Discipleship be modified?

The structure should stay the same, but leaders can adapt it for special themes or groups. The goal is to help people reflect on discipleship and say yes to Jesus.

The Litany of the Call to Discipleship is a prayer about answering Jesus’ call. It recalls people in the Bible who followed Him, including Mary, the apostles, and those who were healed. Their stories remind us that God calls everyone, no matter their past or struggles.

This prayer is structured as a litany, with a leader saying the first part of each line and the people responding. The repeated responses focus on trust, healing, and mission. This simple format makes it easy to pray alone or in a group.

The Litany of the Call to Discipleship helps us reflect on our own call to follow Jesus. It encourages us to say yes, just as others did before us. By praying this litany, we ask for the faith and strength to live as His disciples today.

Have you prayed the Litany of the Call to Discipleship? How did it speak to you? This prayer invites us to trust in God and follow Him in our daily lives. Your experience may inspire others to pray it too.

We would love to hear your thoughts. Share your experience with this prayer in the comments below. Let’s encourage each other to grow as disciples of Jesus.