This is adapted from a prayer by Rafael, Cardinal Merry Del Val (1865-1930):
From the desire of being praised, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, 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 comfort and ease, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being criticized, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being passed over, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being lonely, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being hurt, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering, deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
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.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, strengthen me with your Spirit.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, teach me your ways.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
help me put my self importance aside
to learn the kind of cooperation with others
that makes possible the presence of your Abba’s household.
From the prayer book, For Jesuits, Loyola Press, 1963
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Michelle 12.28.09 at 7:33 am
This is a powerful place to start thinking about how to walk into the New Year. I love the way litanies can be like water on a rock, slowly smoothing away the distractions, eroding away what separates us from God.
Eric 12.28.09 at 1:15 pm
As a flawed human being, this litany is a great challenge, though certainly steering us in the right direction. If I do something loving for my wife, I want to hear from her that she feels loved. Of course, there is a mixed response within me, that I am joyful for her that she feels loved, but also a good feeling about being a good husband. I guess I should simply thank God for all of this. In addition, when I teach at church and I get positive feedback, I am sincere when I say this gives me joy to know and hope that the class members come closer to God, but I also have a good feeling about being well-received. St. Paul says that God works with us in our weakness, so I pray that God do exactly that in these situations.
James 12.28.09 at 5:48 pm
thanks this is fantastic
Marg 12.29.09 at 6:56 am
This reminds me of all my very human struggles with life. My family life, my work life. I wrestle with my motivation everyday. Why do I do what I do? What is my rationale? What does it get me in the end? Truly eveyone looks for the end result.
To be selfless in this world of me, is the hardest goal that one can aspire to. Do things because they are good. Speak kindly because it is tender and beautiful. Taking yourself out of every situation is truly heroic and very hard.
I will read this many times as I think about 2010 and all the challanges it holds for me. Just how will I handle things?
M.
Paul 12.31.09 at 11:45 am
Michelle,
I too love “the way litanies can be like water on a rock, slowly smoothing away the distractions, eroding away what separates us from God.” More than that, I love the way that you express it so eloquently.
Paul
Paul 12.31.09 at 11:47 am
Eric,
I think I understand your dilemma with regard to this litany – wanting a response from your wife is the most natural thing on earth. I guess it just points out, as if we needed it, that even the best things don’t necessarily apply to every one.
Paul
Paul 12.31.09 at 11:49 am
Marg,
You right, of course. Selflessness is the hardest goal of all. And to be truly selfless, you have to have a healthy ego in order to know the things we need to let go. Oy, vey!
Paul