Catholic Prayer for Humility

“Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.” — St. Vincent de Paul

Catholic Prayer for Humility
Public Domain: Christ Before Pilate: Large Plate by Rembrandt van Rijn via Art Institute of Chicago.

The Prayer

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. (Written by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val (1865–1930), Secretary of State to Pope St. Pius X)

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About This Prayer

The Litany of Humility is a powerful Catholic prayer for humility composed by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val in the early 20th century. Known for his close work with Pope St. Pius X, Cardinal Merry del Val lived a life of deep humility and prayer. Of the many Catholic prayers for humility, this litany is one of his most beloved legacies, often described as a “hard but beautiful” prayer. The prayer for humility challenges believers to detach themselves from the desire for recognition, praise, or approval and to embrace true humility before God. It is a radical surrender of pride, asking Jesus to free us from fears of rejection and to give us the grace to prefer others before ourselves. Many saints have said that humility is the foundation of all virtues, making this litany a vital spiritual exercise.

When To Pray

The Litany of Humility can be prayed anytime a believer struggles with pride, envy, or the desire for recognition. It is often prayed during Lent as part of penance and self-denial. Catholics may also pray it before Confession, during retreats, or in moments of conflict when tempted by pride or self-love. Though it can be spiritually challenging, it leads the soul to deeper peace and freedom.

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