Lent calls us to deeper conversion—not just in outward practice but in the quiet places of the heart. It’s a season of returning to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, all aimed at stripping away our attachments so we can cling more fully to Christ.
One powerful (and challenging) prayer that aligns beautifully with the Lenten journey is the Litany of Humility. This prayer doesn’t ask for comfort or success but for the grace to become smaller, to be forgotten, and to be content with whatever draws us closer to Jesus. In this blog, we’ll explore what the Litany of Humility is, why it’s a powerful Lenten practice, and how you can pray it this season.
What is the Litany of Humility?
The Litany of Humility is a prayer traditionally attributed to Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val, who served as Secretary of State to Pope Saint Pius X. Unlike many other litanies that invoke saints or divine attributes, this prayer is deeply personal and interior—it names the desires that we often don’t realize have gripped our hearts: the desire to be praised, loved, admired, or consulted.
Each line asks Jesus to deliver us from these desires, followed by a second section that asks Him to grant us the grace to actually prefer being overlooked, forgotten, or misunderstood. It’s a prayer of surrender, shaped by the humility of Christ, who “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7).
Why Should You Pray It During Lent?
Lent is a time to imitate Christ’s 40 days in the desert, where He emptied Himself of worldly comforts to draw closer to the Father. The Litany of Humility helps us do the same—not just externally, but in our inner life. It confronts our pride, our tendency to measure ourselves by what others think, and our desire to be known, needed, or admired.
This isn’t about self-hatred or pretending we don’t have gifts. It’s about ordering our hearts rightly—wanting God’s will more than our own. The prayer reminds us that holiness isn’t about popularity or accomplishment; it’s about becoming small enough for God’s greatness to shine through us.
Wondering how fasting can impact your Lent this season? Explore the deeper purpose behind this powerful practice in our article, Why Do We Fast During Lent?—and discover how it can truly transform your heart.
How to Pray the Litany of Humility
You can pray the Litany of Humility at any time, but it’s especially fruitful as part of your daily prayer during Lent. Try praying it slowly, reflecting on each line. Let it become an examination of conscience and a conversation with the Lord.
Litany of Humility
(by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val)
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.
Pray this litany daily throughout Lent as a way to recenter your heart on Christ. Don’t be discouraged if it feels hard to pray at first. That discomfort is often the first sign of grace working.
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Additional Resources
Looking for more inspiration this Lent? Discover how the Eucharist can be a powerful path to peace and restoration in our latest blog article: Eucharist: A Path to Mental Health Healing.
Curious how God might use you to lead others closer to Him? Explore Three Fruits of Leading a Catholic Bible Study to see how saying “yes” to leadership can bear unexpected spiritual fruit.
For even more resources, check out SEEK Replay, which features all the keynotes, talks, and impact sessions from SEEK to help you grow in prayer, evangelization, and your Catholic faith this season.
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