Act of Humility

Dear God, I come before you with a contrite heart, Humbly seeking your forgiveness.

Lord, I am aware of my faults and shortcomings, And I acknowledge that without your grace, I am nothing but a sinner.

Please help me to embrace humility And to always put others’ needs before my own, So that I may become a true disciple of your love.

I pray for the wisdom to recognize When my ego and pride are getting in the way And to seek your guidance in every moment.

May I always be mindful Of the many gifts you have bestowed upon me And use them to bring love and peace to others.

Lord, I am nothing without you And I trust in your infinite mercy To guide me on my journey towards humility.

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The background of Act of Humility

The Act of Humility is a Catholic prayer that has been used for centuries to express humility and contrition before God. Its origins can be traced back to the early Church.

According to tradition, the prayer was composed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, in the sixteenth century. St. Ignatius was famous for his emphasis on humility as a key Christian virtue.

The prayer was popularized by the Jesuits, who used it in their spiritual exercises and missions. It was also adopted by other religious orders and eventually became a staple of Catholic devotional life.

The Act of Humility has been included in many Catholic prayer books and is often recited during Lent and other penitential seasons. It is also used in personal prayer and meditation.

The prayer has been embraced by Catholics around the world as a powerful expression of humility and a reminder of our need for God’s grace in our lives. It serves as a call to let go of our pride and ego and to surrender ourselves completely to God.

Today, the Act of Humility continues to be a beloved prayer in the Catholic tradition, a testament to the enduring power of humility as a Christian virtue.