Embracing Humility in Our Daily Lives
Humility. It’s a word we hear often but, if we’re honest, it’s not always easy to live out. I’ve found myself caught in moments where I’m so focused on my own struggles or my to-do list that I lose sight of those around me. It’s not that I don’t care, of course I do, but sometimes I get so wrapped up in my own little world that I forget to be present for others.
I’ve caught myself thinking more about my own needs and challenges, letting pride creep in. When things get overwhelming, I have a habit of withdrawing into myself, locking away my emotions and dealing with my problems privately. But here’s the thing, I’m not the only one struggling. People around me, those I love, are also going through things, needing someone to be there, to listen, to care.
Humility is about stepping outside of ourselves, laying down our pride, and remembering that we’re all walking this journey together. It’s not just about putting others first, but about realizing that we’re all connected in our joys and struggles, and we need each other. Jesus was the perfect example of humility. He lowered Himself, not for His own gain, but to serve and love others, showing us how to live with a servant’s heart.
I’ve been praying about this a lot lately because I see how easy it is for me to fall into that trap of thinking more about my own needs than those of the people around me. When we do this, we miss out on opportunities to reflect God’s love to others. And that’s what humility really is—acknowledging that we need each other and that we can’t do it all on our own.
One prayer that I love is the Litany of Humility. It’s such a beautiful and powerful prayer, one that I have been trying to incorporate into my daily routine. This prayer speaks directly to the heart, asking God to remove our pride, our need for recognition, and our desires for things that don’t ultimately matter. It’s a humbling reminder of how much we need to rely on Him.
If you’ve never prayed this before, I encourage you to take a moment, breathe, and let these words sink in. Let them gently remind you of the importance of humility in our lives.
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.
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.
This prayer has been such a grounding force in my life, reminding me that humility isn’t about thinking less of ourselves, but about thinking of ourselves less. It’s about making space for God to work through us, even in the smallest, quietest ways. As we lean into His grace, we start to see the world, and those around us, through His eyes, eyes full of love, compassion, and gentleness.
I’m still learning to embrace humility fully, to set aside my pride and truly listen to others, to be there for them without thinking of my own needs first. But I’m getting there, one small step at a time, and I’m so grateful for the gentle nudges God gives me along the way.
Sometimes, humility means stepping out of our own struggles to be there for others. But I want to be very clear—this doesn’t mean that when you’re facing something deeply challenging, like extreme depression or anxiety, you should push that aside for someone else. No, those are crucial moments when you must focus on your own healing. Trust me, I know all too well that you cannot pour into someone when you’re empty.
Mental health is so important, and it must be taken seriously. If you're going through a very rough time, please know that taking care of yourself is not selfish. In fact, it’s necessary. God wants us to be whole so we can love and serve others fully, but we can’t do that if we’re running on empty. So, if you’re in that space, give yourself grace and time to heal. You deserve it.
Father, I come before You, humbled by Your love and mercy. Help me to set aside my pride, to think less of myself and more of those You’ve placed in my life. Grant me the grace to serve with a heart like Yours, gentle and full of compassion. Teach me to embrace humility each day, trusting that You are guiding me in all things. Let Your love flow through me so that I may reflect Your light to those around me. Thank You for always being patient with me, even when I fall short. May I always seek to grow in humility and lean on Your strength.
In Jesus’s name, Amen.
