The litany of humility prayer offers a direct path to inner peace by confronting pride head-on. Originating from Cardinal Merry del Val in the early 1900s, it petitions Jesus for freedom from self-centered desires. Pray it daily for 5-10 minutes to build genuine humility. Key benefits include stronger relationships and reduced stress, though it demands honest self-reflection. Start with the full text below, reflect on each line, and track changes over a month. Backed by recent reflections, this practice transforms ego-driven habits into Christ-like service.
Litany of humility prayer stands as a timeless call to embrace meekness in a world that prizes self-assertion. This humility prayer invites you to step into a space of quiet surrender, where true strength emerges from acknowledging your limits before God. Join in this sacred rhythm that has guided countless souls toward deeper faith and compassion.
The Complete Litany of Humility Prayer
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 extolled, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, 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 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.
This prayer draws straight from Christ’s own words in Matthew 11:29, inviting imitation of His gentle and lowly heart.
Meaning of The Litany of Humility
The litany of humility prayer confronts pride by naming its hidden forms craving esteem, praise, or preference, and dreading humiliation, ridicule, or being overlooked. Each petition seeks deliverance from self-seeking impulses that block genuine love and service. The second half shifts to positive desire: willingly embracing others’ good above one’s own, even in holiness, as long as personal growth aligns with God’s will. This builds authentic humility not self-hatred, but honest recognition of dependence on God and joy in others’ flourishing. Practiced sincerely, it fosters peace, stronger relationships, and freedom from comparison, aligning daily life with Christ’s example of selfless service.
Read Also: St Apollonia Prayer
Origin and History: Litany of Humility Prayer
The Litany of Humility prayer is most closely linked to Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val, a Spanish-English diplomat and cardinal who served as Pope Pius X’s Secretary of State from 1903 until 1914. Known for his deep piety and personal humility despite high office, he reportedly recited this litany every day after celebrating Mass as a protection against vanity and self-importance.
While earlier versions of similar humility litanies appeared in print as far back as 1867 (an anonymous English version) and 1880 (a French-derived text), the exact wording now widely used is the one associated with Merry del Val in the early 20th century. No primary document proves he composed it word-for-word, but tradition firmly credits him with its popularization and daily use during Pius X’s pontificate a time when the Church emphasized interior renewal and humility against rising modernism.
The prayer opens with Christ’s own words from Matthew 11:29 (“meek and humble of heart”), grounding it in Scripture. Its spread reflects Merry del Val’s holy example: he lived simply, avoided honors, and died in 1930 still regarded as a model of meekness.
Practical Steps to Incorporate It
Recite the full litany slowly each morning. Pause after each petition to examine your heart. Journal one change it inspires weekly.
Over time, pair it with Scripture, like Philippians 2:3, for reinforced impact.
Key Insight: Consistency turns this humility prayer into a habit that reshapes daily interactions.
If distractions arise, shorten to core lines initially.
Pros and Cons of Daily Practice
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Builds empathy, improving relationships. | Challenges ego, causing initial discomfort. |
| Reduces anxiety from comparison. | Requires vulnerability, hard in competitive settings. |
| Enhances spiritual awareness per 2026 insights. | May surface unresolved pride, needing support. |
Conclusion
The litany of humility prayer now rests in your hands and heart. Take its grace with you today let it soften judgments, quiet self-seeking, and open space for others to shine. Return to these words whenever pride stirs Jesus hears and delivers. May His meekness become yours, step by step, until every encounter reflects His gentle love.
? FAQs About Litany of Humility Prayer
What is the Litany of Humility?
A personal prayer asking Jesus to free us from prideful desires (like seeking praise or esteem) and fears (like being humiliated or overlooked), then granting grace to prefer others’ good over our own. It opens with Christ’s words: “meek and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29).
Who wrote the Litany of Humility?
Traditionally attributed to Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865–1930), Secretary of State to Pope Saint Pius X. He prayed it daily after Mass. Similar earlier versions existed in the late 1800s, but his form became the standard.
Is it okay to pray this if it feels difficult or uncomfortable?
Yes, many find it challenging at first because it exposes pride directly. That’s its purpose: honest self-examination leads to real growth. Start slowly; discomfort often signals the Holy Spirit at work.
How do I pray the Litany of Humility?
Make the Sign of the Cross. Read or recite each petition slowly, pausing to reflect. Pray it daily (e.g., after Mass or in the morning), as a novena (9 days), or during Lent/Examen. Speak from the heart; no need for fancy setting.
Where can I find the full accurate text?
Use trusted Catholic sites like EWTN or Knights of the Holy Eucharist for the exact wording—no variations in core petitions across standard sources.
