The pursuit of spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, one that requires dedication, self-awareness, and a willingness to confront our own flaws and weaknesses. One powerful tool for fostering spiritual growth is the practice of humility. By cultivating humility, we can quiet the ego, listen more deeply to the wisdom of our hearts, and walk more closely with the divine.
The following printable litany of humility offers a powerful framework for reflection, prayer, and personal growth. By repeating these words, either silently or aloud, we can invite the spirit of humility into our lives and begin to transform our hearts, minds, and actions.
The Litany of Humility
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.
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 I may be humbled in all things, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Understanding the Power of Humility
The litany of humility, also known as the "Litany of Humility of Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val," was written by a 20th-century cardinal and is a beautiful expression of the Christian ideal of humility. By reciting this litany, we are invited to reflect on our own desires for esteem, love, and praise, and to ask for the grace to desire true humility.
True humility is not about self-abasement or low self-esteem, but about recognizing our place in the world and our relationship to the divine. When we cultivate humility, we become more aware of our limitations, more willing to listen and learn, and more open to the guidance of the spirit.
Practical Steps for Cultivating Humility
In addition to reciting the litany of humility, there are several practical steps we can take to cultivate humility in our daily lives.
- Practice self-reflection: Take time each day to reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions. Ask yourself if you have been driven by a desire for esteem or praise, or if you have been humble and open to the needs of others.
- Listen more than you speak: When engaging with others, practice active listening and seek to understand their perspectives and needs.
- Seek feedback and criticism: Ask for feedback from trusted friends or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism.
- Practice gratitude: Reflect on the blessings and gifts in your life, and express gratitude to others and to the divine.
- Serve others: Look for opportunities to serve others, whether through volunteer work, acts of kindness, or simply being present for those in need.
The Benefits of Humility
Cultivating humility can have a profound impact on our spiritual growth and our relationships with others. Some of the benefits of humility include:
- Deeper relationships: When we are humble, we are more likely to form deep and meaningful connections with others.
- Increased self-awareness: Humility helps us to recognize our limitations and to be more aware of our thoughts, words, and actions.
- Greater empathy: When we are humble, we are more able to listen to and understand the perspectives of others.
- Spiritual growth: Humility is a key virtue in many spiritual traditions, and is seen as an essential quality for those seeking to deepen their relationship with the divine.
Conclusion
The pursuit of spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, one that requires dedication, self-awareness, and a willingness to confront our own flaws and weaknesses. By cultivating humility, we can quiet the ego, listen more deeply to the wisdom of our hearts, and walk more closely with the divine. We invite you to print out the litany of humility and to make it a part of your daily prayer practice. May this powerful tool help you to deepen your spiritual growth and to cultivate the virtue of humility.
What is the litany of humility?
+The litany of humility is a prayer that was written by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val and is a beautiful expression of the Christian ideal of humility.
Why is humility important for spiritual growth?
+Humility is a key virtue in many spiritual traditions, and is seen as an essential quality for those seeking to deepen their relationship with the divine.
How can I cultivate humility in my daily life?
+There are several practical steps you can take to cultivate humility, including practicing self-reflection, listening more than you speak, seeking feedback and criticism, practicing gratitude, and serving others.