Humility the anti-pride virtue

[USMC_Convert]

I am reading a book on the 7 capital sins and once I got done with pride I thought of this prayer that I found. I thought it was an odd prayer, even a hard prayer to say but after reading all about pride I realized it isn’t so much a prayer about humility but an “anti-pride” prayer. Yes I realize that humility is the anti-pride virtue but once I read about pride it made so much more sense to think of it like that.

Anyway, for your consideration…

Litany Of Humility

(for private devotion only)

Which His Eminence Cardinal Merry del Val was accustomed to recite daily after the celebration of Holy Mass.

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,
From the desire of being honored,
From the desire of being praised,
From the desire of being preferred,
From the desire of being consulted,
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,
From the fear of being calumniated,
From the fear of being forgotten,
From the fear of being ridiculed,
From the fear of being wronged,
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,
That in the opinion of the world, others may increase,
and I may decrease,
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
That others become holier than I, provided that I may
become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

Imprimatur: + James A. McNulty - Bishop of Paterson, N.J.

 

[Beryllos]

I’m going to use this prayer. I love it!

Don’t let that go to your head, though.

 

[ELROD]

I came here today looking for an answer to a issue that came up and penance given by my priest. I was sort of resentful when he suggested, ever so gently that “pride” might be an issue for me. Your prayer is just what I need, at least it is a good start, and, I thank you for that.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Thanks for posting this. I like it. Merry del Val was very holy.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

This prayer was given to me by a Catholic therapist. He said he couldn’t give it to everyone but thought I could handle it. There have been times though that wasn’t the case; it’s not an ideal prayer for someone in a downward spiral or for someone who is scrupulous.

It’s not just a good prayer but also a good checklist for all the ways that pride can manifest, ways that seem insignificant, or “normal,” ways that are habits or thoughts that I don’t really want to have, sin or not.

 

[pianistclare]

I’ve always loved this prayer. Super useful.

 

[ELROD]

I’ve got a big problem. I am a Catholic convert. About 17 years ago, 70 years old and increasingly I hate to go to confession. I spend a lot of time thinking about my sins, doesn’t matter if they have been confessed or not, but, I have plenty that I can’t bring to mind when I do go to confession. I just would love to be able to start over afresh, but, my sackful of **** just goes around with my foolish self. I sure like that prayer though and you are right, it is a great list.
I feel like going to confession should be so wonderful, but, I went a couple of days ago and I am just feeling dragged down by all my failings.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I feel like going to confession should be so wonderful

Actually quite a few of us who aren’t converts do not feel it is “wonderful” but rather is a necessary and a somewhat difficult process. The fact that God forgives me again and again is the wonderful part. The process of Confession is not wonderful for me.

I went a couple of days ago and I am just feeling dragged down by all my failings.

First of all - assuming you confessed everything you can remember and are not repeating the sins, you should “leave it in the confessional” as a priest told me. I realize this is difficult to do, which is why the priest was having this discussion with me, I kind of have the same problem.

Second - as a different priest told me during a different confession, “God doesn’t make junk” so don’t feel bad about yourself. Not feeling prideful is not the same as feeling bad about yourself. Maybe repeat “God doesn’t make junk” as an affirmation every time you feel bad. Or pick another affirmation that takes the weight off you. Affirmations are a great way to retrain your mind to avoid negative thinking patterns.