This Catholic prayer is written to help you pray with the Church. Pride whispers lies that we deserve recognition, that our worth depends on being noticed, that humility means weakness. Yet Christ showed us a different path.
The Litany of Humility prayer invites us into the heart of Jesus, who emptied Himself and became obedient unto death. This traditional Catholic prayer challenges our natural desire for self-promotion and opens our hearts to true spiritual freedom.
When we pray these words with sincere intention, we discover that humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It is about finding our identity in Christ rather than in the approval of others.
Litany of Humility Prayer
Scripture Reflection
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7, ESV
Christ’s humility was not passive resignation but active love. He chose to set aside His divine privileges to serve us. This passage reminds us that true humility follows Christ’s pattern of selfless service and surrender to the Father’s will.
The Litany of Humility (Traditional Text)
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.
What This Prayer Means
The Litany of Humility addresses two fundamental human struggles: our desire for recognition and our fear of being overlooked. These petitions ask Jesus to free us from the chains of pride that bind our hearts to earthly approval.
The prayer’s structure moves from deliverance to desire. First, we ask to be delivered from seeking worldly validation. Then we ask for grace to genuinely desire that others receive the recognition we naturally crave for ourselves. This reflects Matthew 20:16 where Jesus teaches that the last shall be first.
The final petition acknowledges that our ultimate goal is holiness, not comparison. We can desire others to grow in holiness while committing to our own spiritual growth. This prayer teaches us that humility creates space for God’s grace to work freely in our lives.
When Catholics Pray This Prayer
- During times of spiritual direction or retreat
- When struggling with pride or jealousy toward others
- Before important decisions or new ministries
- During preparation for confession or reconciliation
- When seeking deeper intimacy with Christ
- During seasons of professional or personal success
- As part of daily morning prayer
- When preparing for service or leadership roles
Closing Reflection
The path of humility leads to true freedom. When we release our grip on recognition and approval, we discover that our worth was never dependent on others’ opinions. Christ calls us to find our identity in His love, not in our achievements or status.
As you pray this litany, remember that humility is not self-hatred but self-knowledge. It is seeing ourselves as God sees us: beloved children who need His grace. Let this prayer transform your heart and draw you closer to the humble heart of Jesus. Trust that He will give you the grace to desire what seems impossible to our human nature.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Part of Our Catholic Prayer Collection
This prayer belongs to 10 Catholic Prayers for the Dead: Traditional Prayers to Honor Departed Souls within our complete guide: 15 Essential Catholic Mass Prayers and Responses: Traditional Guide.
FAQ
What is the Litany of Humility prayer and where does it come from?
The Litany of Humility is a traditional Catholic prayer designed to help believers surrender pride and seek God's grace. It addresses our deepest struggles with ego—our desire for recognition and fear of being overlooked. The prayer invites us into Christ's heart, teaching us that true humility means thinking of ourselves less, not thinking less of ourselves.
Why pray the Litany of Humility and what does it help with?
This prayer combats the lies pride whispers: that we deserve notice, that our worth depends on approval, that humility is weakness. Praying it with sincere intention frees us from chains binding our hearts to earthly validation. It's especially helpful when struggling with jealousy, facing important decisions, or during spiritual retreats and direction.
How do you pray the Litany of Humility?
The prayer moves through two stages: first asking Jesus to deliver you from desiring esteem, praise, and honor; then asking for grace to genuinely desire that others receive recognition instead of you. Pray each petition slowly and honestly, letting the words challenge your natural inclinations toward self-promotion and help you find identity in Christ rather than others' approval.
What does it mean to desire that others be loved more than you?
This petition asks for grace to authentically want others' good above your own recognition—not through forced guilt, but genuine transformation. It reflects Jesus' teaching that the last shall be first, and acknowledges that spiritual freedom comes when we stop competing for approval. The goal is holiness for yourself and others, not comparison or self-diminishment.
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