The importance of humility

One of the many reasons that I want to go into youth ministry is because I have been blessed with so many wonderful youth workers in my life that have selflessly poured into my life and encouraged me in my life walk with Christ and through everything else I was going through at the time. When I think about the youth workers that stand out in my mind of having the most profound impact on my life, they have at least one thing in common, humility. These people never boasted about how loving they were to youth, they never got rewarded for what they were doing, and they very seldom were appreciated even just through words from us kids or our parents. They did it because they loved us and just had to trust that God was using them to make a difference. Through these examples, I want to be humble as well. I know I am far away from that point right now because I still think about myself much too often and seek recognition for many things I do. But I know that if I am going to reach youth the way that I hope to, then I need to be humble and submit to God and trust that he will use me. I recently met a youth pastor who seemed to me to be very prideful and it immediately saddened me for the youth group because I know the powerful influence that humility can have on people. I think that is something that every person thinking about going into, or in youth ministry needs to step back and pray for, a prayer for humility.

Prayer for Humility

Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that you may fortify me with the grace of your Holy Spirit, and give your peace to my soul, that I may be free from all nedless anxiety and worry. Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to you, so that your will may be my will.

Grant that I may be free from unholy desires, and that , for your love, I may remain obscure and unknown in this world, to be known only to you.

Do not permit me to attribute to myself the good that you perform in me and through me, but rather, referring all honor to you, may I admit only to my infirmities, so that renouncing sincerely all vainglory which comes from the world, I may aspire to that true and lasting glory that comes from you. Amen

St. Frances Cabrini