God gives grace to the humble. Are you developing the virtue of humility?

This old Christian prayer–in a form of repeated petitions called a litany–has challenged many, including me. I believe if you pray these things honestly, God will grant your request in his time. It is especially appropriate for the Lenten season; it is combined here with a prayer from my own Anglican tradition.

The Litany of Humility

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Jesus, 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 sought, 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, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being considered, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being humbled, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being rebuffed, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being slandered, 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 others may grow in the opinion of the world and I diminish, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be employed and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be praised and I forgotten, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be preferred before me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be more holy than I, provided I am as holy as I can be, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

*  *  *

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.