The Litany of Humility Explained

The Litany of Humility is a powerful prayer that invites us to surrender our ego and embrace humility. It’s a series of petitions asking Jesus, the model of humility, to deliver us from the desires and fears that hinder our spiritual growth.

The prayer is divided into two parts:

Deliverance from Desire: This section focuses on releasing our desire for personal glory, recognition, and preference. It asks Jesus to free us from the pride and self-centeredness that often dominate our lives.

Desire for Others’ Growth: This part expresses our desire for the spiritual well-being of others, even at our own expense. It’s a radical act of self-denial and love.

The Litany is a powerful tool for spiritual transformation. It helps us to:

Recognize our own pride: By identifying the desires that hinder our growth.

Develop a selfless attitude: By focusing on the needs of others.

Deepen our relationship with Jesus: As we turn to Him for strength and guidance.

Words to The Litany of Humility:

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 honored, deliver me approved, deliver me, O Jesus. preferred, deliver me, O Jesus.  

From the acknowledged, deliver me pitied, deliver me, O Jesus comforted, 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 all things, Thy will may be done, rather than mine, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.  

That I may be nothing, and that Thou mayest be all in me, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

Amen.