Litany of Humility
A powerful prayer composed by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val, Secretary of State under Pope St. Pius X. One of the most challenging prayers in Catholic tradition.
The Litany of Humility was composed by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val, Secretary of State under Pope St. Pius X. It asks, line by line, to be delivered from the desire to be esteemed, loved or honoured, and it is one of the most challenging prayers in Catholic tradition. It is not meant to be said casually. Say it slowly, line by line, and let it search your heart. The petitions are not meant to make you hate yourself but to free you from the need to prove yourself. Use it sparingly, let it challenge you, and ask for the grace to mean each line. It pairs well with confession and with a daily examination of conscience.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlayLitany of Humility
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, deliver me, 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 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. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When should I pray the Litany of Humility?
Pray it after Communion or in a quiet evening, and not more than once a day.
How do I pray the Litany of Humility?
Read each line slowly, pausing on any that stings.
Who is the Litany of Humility for?
Those seeking to grow in humility, such as leaders and perfectionists.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play