A Personal Account: "The Most Difficult Prayer I Have Prayed." A Startling, Life-Giving Prayer

  • Thread starter Thread starter mdgspencer
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
St Jean Vianney lived that prayer. And St Bernadette was called a “good for nothing” by her Mother Superior, and she accepted it as fact. It’s the common denominator of all Saints. The humility prayer helps to peel back all the layers of vices, so we see ourselves as we really are, and learn the reasons why we say and do the things we shouldn’t, and when we are being self-serving. For Lent, I prayed for the gift of Humility, and have been humbled well, still working on it. In two instances, the humbling lessons, one which seemed devastating, turned into blessings. Pride is the biggest flaw in humanity imo, and by trying to avoid it, saying the prayer, it opens the door to a more peaceful, spiritual outlook. I think the starting point is to say “Thy will be done” and really mean it. It’s like jumping off a cliff, but trusting God totally. Then knowing that we are not vulnerable in trying to be humble, but protected by a Father Who really cares about us. Less and less do I worry about saving face, but still sometimes, have that ah ha! moment where the phony side of Pride is visible. The credit for this little journey has to go to Fr Wade Menezes of the Fathers of Mercy who, some time ago gave a Mission to our Parish, and refreshed our memories with the Capital Sins, and their corresponding Virtues. The humility request and prayer gives a real spiritual lift. Thanks for posting it.
 
Some versions of it contain lines that can be difficult for those of us who have genuinely struggled with thinking we are unlovable trash.
 
Beautiful and thank you for sharing. I needed to hear this!! ❤️❤️❤️
 
I prayed, some years ago, that God would keep me humble.

Oh my, He has! I stumble, fumble, embarrass myself, ect with silly things.
And sometimes, I admit, I get frustrated and ask, “Can’t I have a little pride? Just
a little?”
But a breath or two later, I remember that I asked for humility, so that He would be
glorified, and I repent of that feeling. I’d say it’s one of the most ‘dangerous’ prayers
you can pray, lol. But as this particular prayer says, as the Gospels say, “He must
increase, and I must decrease.”
Let it be so, Lord, for Your glory always.
 
“God, keep me humble. Don’t let me get a swelled head. All glory to You, always, for whatever I accomplish because I know I cannot do it alone” is a wonderful prayer, and one I try to practice.

“God, deliver me from the desire to be loved” is something else again. If by “love” you mean adulation, or you are so anxious to have love that you’re committing sins trying to get others to love you, or you’re not wanting to do good works unless others express some level of appreciation for your efforts, then it may be a good prayer for you.

If, on the other hand, you are so jaded or nervous of bonding with other people that you avoid giving and receiving love of neighbor, love of friends or love from your spouse or potential relationship partner, that line probably needs to be rewritten, because you need God to help you soften and open your heart, not deliver you from the desire of being loved.
 
Last edited:
Oh I wish I were more humble but at the same time I want to use that humility to be proud. I am a mess.
 
Last edited:
There are real divisions and conflicts that need to happen, but it seems like we couldn’t help but all get along at some basic level if we would all sincerely pray this prayer together.

Please pray for me. I need to make a difficult confession tomorrow and I’m praying I will be as honest as I can to the priest, and that I humbly take his advice as from Christ.
 
Last edited:
Working at being humble helps me to be more compassionate towards others. Today for example, I had coffee and conversation with a parishioner who is well educated, intelligent, corrects me often if she disagrees with me, and has a proud streak. But today I was so at peace with her. For some years I was lapsed and came back to Confession face to face with the priest. It was difficult for the first few minutes, then gave me the greatest spiritual release. As a suggestion, often before Confession, I pray to St Jean Vianney, the great priest Confessor. Tonight, I’ll say a Rosary for you that you make a good Confession. God Bless!
 
Thank you and God bless you for your prayers! They are much needed, as this has to do with a basic character flaw and something I have not been dealing with properly for a long time. And I’m not sure exactly what the truth of the matter is, probably due to my pride, after all.

I intend to get to Church early to pray before Confession, and I will make a point to ask for St. John Vianney’s help and intercession.
Ave Maria!
 
There’s some great insights in those articles. There is the danger of false humility, too. The devil’s always looking for ways to defeat us. People in stress-related jobs are fighting just to survive in the workplace. I have the advantage of time for prayers, daily Mass, all things that are helpful. In my own workplace before retirement, I couldn’t have worked on humility. It was a dog-eat-dog atmosphere. The secular world today is a nightmare.
People lead busy lives, and not always by choice.
 
s c lewis & g k chesterton have been absolutely marginalized

by even catholic sources

neither are are taught in even one catholic high school or university…
 
Thanks for sharing the article. I have prayed this along with the Litany of Trust for some time this year daily.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top