It feels good to be validated by others because of our achievements, skills, intelligence, and credentials. However, if we are too dependent on what others say about us, seeking the validation of others may become addictive and destructive. It leads us to vainglory, pride, and an attitude of thinking of others as lesser than us.
The antidote to these problems is humility. The word humility was derived from the Latin humus which means earth. It rightly describes what we ought to think always: we are made from earth, and so we do not have anything to brag about before God. Humility is neither putting ourselves low nor becoming miserable. Humility entails our inner disposition of always relying on the grace of God and a spirit of gratitude for all we have received.
In times when we feel like giving all the credit to ourselves and to our achievements, let us say a short prayer for humility to God. Let us ask Him to grant us a meek and humble heart. May we always see God working in our lives and rely on His grace and guidance.
Prayer to be Humble
Eternal and almighty God, Sovereign and Absolute Ruler of all, I give You praise and glory for Your benevolence and guidance. Words are not enough to express how grateful I am for all the good things You have graciously given me.
You have given us Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to be our model of humility and obedience. Your Son, who is God, became like us mortal beings – such a humble way of letting Yourself be known by humanity! He has let Himself be humbled so that we who are lowly might be exalted.
Father, it feels so great to receive compliments from other people. When I do well in my job, I feel like people should see my efforts and diligence. When I achieve something, I would like others to commend me. Unfortunately, these are also moments when I realize that I am giving so much credit to myself, leading me to lean on my own skills and strength.
Merciful God, hear my prayer. I am very sorry for all the times when I forget to acknowledge Your grace and guidance. I am sorry for being arrogant and naïve. I am sorry for always wanting to seek the praise of others. I am sorry for always failing to remember that all of what I have now is because of Your love and providence.
God, I let other people’s opinions of me influence me much too much. I constantly try to appear to be wealthier, wiser, or nicer than I actually am. Please do not let me take pride in compliments or become disheartened by criticism. Nor let me waste time conjuring up fictitious scenarios where I am the most valiant, endearing, or clever person in attendance. Teach me to have a modest heart like You.
Father, give me the grace to imitate Jesus’ meekness and humility throughout my entire life, in all of my thoughts, words, and deeds, as He has taught us to do by His life and example. Give me the feeling that I am nothing and have nothing without You my Lord. Grant, O Lord, that I may look for nothing and make no claims and that I may move through all the events of life without thinking about or acting for myself but rather with an unwavering focus on You.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Short humble prayer
Father of all, Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ lived a life of humility and service. He offered His life to save us unworthy creatures. Please help me to remember that You are hurt by the proud of heart and show mercy to the humble and meek. Help me to imitate Christ’s attitude of humility and obedience. May my life be of humble service to You and my brethren. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Word of God
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
James 4:10 NRSVUE
For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Luke 14:11 NRSVUE
Prayer to Saint John the Baptist for humility
Beloved Saint John the Baptist, the greatest of all the prophets before the Lord, you have been privileged by the eternal God to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. Such an honor has been granted to You by God Himself! Of all the people, you have been specially favored by God to prepare the hearts and dispositions of people for the arrival of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Redeemer.
You were thought to be the Messiah during your preaching and ministry. If you were not focused and fervent on the mission entrusted to you by God, it would have been easy for you to make them believe that you were indeed the Messiah, God’s Chosen One. But instead, you told those who were thinking that you were the Savior: “You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’… The friend of the bridegroom who stands and hears him rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason, my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:28-30).
Dear Saint John the Baptist, faithful and humble servant of God, obtain for us from God through your prayers the grace of humility and meekness. Inspire us with your example of life and holiness. Remind us that Christ must increase in our lives, not ourselves or our need to be validated by others. May the glory of God be manifested in our lives, not our own selfish motives, and vanity.
Saint John the Baptist, humble prophet of God, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
In order to follow Christ, we must first humble ourselves. To genuinely follow the Lord’s example, humility must be a part of our own path because He humbled Himself to become human like us in all things except sin. Being humble enables us to have hearts and minds that are receptive to the stirrings and movements of the Holy Spirit.
If we want to be in the right perspective in life, we have to be humble before God. A prideful person has no room for God’s will to become realized. The devil wants to instill in us a sense of pride and arrogance which in turn lead us to a distorted view of ourselves, the world, and our brethren. God desires what is best for us, and pride is not included in His desire.
It is only through humility that our hearts can see the Lord and others clearly. When we approach the Lord with humility, it shows in how we live our daily lives. May we choose to walk humbly, show kindness, and seek the Lord’s heart.
