Could the Litany of Humility change your spiritual life?
In this episode of "The Catholic Talk Show," Ryan Scheel and Ryan DellaCrosse explore and pray the Litany of Humility.
Here's why it may be the hardest prayer to say and how you can mean it when you say it!
1. Combat the Root of All Sin
Pride is often considered the root of all sin, and the Litany of Humility is a powerful tool to combat it.
"Humility is the virtue that is the antidote to pride, and pride is the initial sin that made the angels fall," Scheel explains.
By praying this litany, he says we actively work against our inclination toward pride, letting us instead grow closer to God.
2. Emulate Jesus' Perfect Humility
Jesus is the ultimate example of humility.
"Christ emptied himself and took on flesh for our sake and for our salvation," Sheel highlights. "There's never been a more humble act than as the Creator to take on the form of a baby completely, helpless against the elements."
By praying the Litany of Humility, we try to live as Jesus did, embracing humility in all things.
3. Draw Closer to God With Each Petition
Praying each petition in the Litany of Humility helps detach us from worldly desires and fears, bringing us closer to God's heart. Dellacrosse says
"The Catechism says humility is the foundation of prayer, and it's basically the utter dependence on God."
With each petition, we open ourselves to God's grace and grow our relationship with Him.
The guys say that sincerely praying the Litany of Humility is one of the best things you can do as a Catholic!
Watch this episode of "The Catholic Talk Show" below:
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 extolled,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
Deliver me, 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, 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 go 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.