The Complete Guide to Catholic Litanies: History, Meaning, and Devotion
While many Catholics are familiar w...
In an age of constant noise and mounting anxiety, the Litany of Trust has become one of the most beloved modern devotions in the Catholic Church. Unlike many ancient litanies that focus on the titles of saints, this prayer is an outpouring of our interior struggles to Jesus.
At its core, the Litany of Trust is a prayer of deliverance—specifically, deliverance from the lies that tell us we are alone and that God’s love must be earned.
The Litany of Trust (Full Prayer Text)
From the belief that I have to earn Your love
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that I am unlovable…
From the false security that I have what it takes…
From the fear that trusting You will leave me more destitute…
From all suspicion of Your words and promises…
From the rebellion against childlike dependency on You…
From refusals and reluctances in accepting Your will…
From anxiety about the future…
From resentment or excessive preoccupation with the past…
From restless self-seeking in the present moment…
From disbelief in Your love and presence…
From the fear of being asked to give more than I have…
From the belief that my life has no meaning or worth…
From the fear of what love demands…
From discouragement…
That You are continually holding me, sustaining me, loving me
Jesus, I trust in you.
That Your love goes deeper than my sins and failings, and transforms me…
That not knowing what tomorrow brings is an invitation to lean on You…
That you are with me in my suffering…
That my suffering, united to Your own, will bear fruit in this life and the next…
That You will not leave me orphan, that You are present in Your Church…
That Your plan is better than anything else…
That You always hear me and in Your goodness always respond to me…
That You give me the grace to accept forgiveness and to forgive others…
That You give me all the strength I need for what is asked…
That my life is a gift…
That You will teach me to trust You…
That You are my Lord and my God…
That I am Your beloved one…
This litany was written by the Sisters of Life
The Origins: Sr. Faustina Maria Pia and the Sisters of Life
The story of this prayer is as moving as the words themselves. It was composed by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., a member of the Sisters of Life. While she was still a postulant, she found herself struggling with a common human burden: the desire to control and know the future.
While praying before the crucifix, she realized that her lack of peace stemmed from a lack of trust. As she sat in the presence of the Lord, the invocations began to flow into her heart. What started as a personal cry for help soon became a cornerstone of the Sisters of Life’s charism and a global phenomenon for the lay faithful.
Deep Dive: What Does it Mean to “Trust”?
Theological trust is often misunderstood as a “feeling” of safety. However, the Catholic Faith teaches us that trust is an act of the will.
When we pray, “From the fear that trusting You will leave me more destitute, Deliver me, Jesus,” we are identifying a specific wound. To trust is to look at our fears and choose to believe in the character of God over the intensity of our feelings. This aligns perfectly with the Message of Divine Mercy: trust is the vessel by which we receive God’s grace.
How to Pray for “Surrender”
Many people find the Litany of Trust difficult to pray because it hits so close to home. Here is how to get the most out of this devotion:
- Identify the Difficulty: As you pray, notice which line makes you hesitate. Is it the fear of being humiliated? The fear of what love will demand? Pause there. That is exactly where Jesus wants to heal you.
- Use it as a Morning Offering: Start your day by surrendering your daily activities. It can help to change your perspective from “I must accomplish” to “God will provide.”
- The 9-Day Novena: Many use the Litany of Trust as a 9-day novena when facing a major life decision or a period of intense anxiety.
Why the Litany of Trust is Effective for Anxiety
From a spiritual and psychological standpoint, this prayer replaces rumination with invocation. Instead of looping through “what-if” scenarios, the prayer anchors the mind in a repetitive truth: “Jesus, I trust in You.” Brings together our human frailty and God’s loving Providence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the Litany of Trust?
The prayer was written by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., of the Sisters of Life. It was born out of her own prayerful struggle to surrender her life and future to Christ.
Is the Litany of Trust an approved Catholic prayer?
Yes. While it is a contemporary prayer, it is widely promoted by bishops and religious orders worldwide as a faithful expression of Catholic trust in Divine Providence.
What is the difference between the Litany of Trust and the Litany of Humility?
While both are prayers of deliverance, the Litany of Humility focuses on uprooting pride and the desire for worldly esteem. The Litany of Trust focuses on uprooting fear and the desire for control.
