Litany for a burnt-out soul

I recently sought the advice of a friend who also happens to be a priest. I described some frustrating habits and thought patterns I’d fallen into — things that aren’t necessarily sinful but aren’t beneficial either. 

Now these kinds of conversations are obviously meant to be private. So instead of describing my frustrating habits, I’ll share the prayer he suggested as a remedy instead. I found this litany so “spot-on,” I wondered for a second if my priest had been spying on me. But very quickly, I gave credit where credit’s due — to the Holy Spirit.

The complete prayer is titled Litany of the Closed Heart, but I’ve tweaked it a bit to make it easier to memorize:

by soulsandhearts.com (abridged)

When I’m withdrawn, Lord, have mercy.
When I’m consumed with worry, Lord…
When I numb out, 
When I feel cynical,
When I’ve lost trust,
When I’m distracted,
When I try to escape my feelings,
When my body holds my stress,
When I’m under pressure,
When I am filled with anger,
When I become obsessed with tasks,
When I feel the urge to act out,
When I feel ashamed,
When I feel unforgiven,

Jesus, I know you love me in all my wounds, 
Lord, have mercy. 

Jesus, you created me in love, Hold me in your arms. 
Jesus, you created me for love, Hold me…
Jesus, you created me to be loved…
Jesus, you created my heart…
Jesus, you see my soul…
Jesus, you know my true self…
Jesus, you treasure me…
Jesus, you encourage me…
Jesus, you created me as your beloved…
Hold me in your arms.

Amen

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I suggest writing this litany out on an index card and taping it to the side of your computer monitor for moments when you’re tempted to numb your emotions by wasting too much time on social media — whoops, I said I’d spare you the specifics of my own burnt-out soul. But it’s a detail this litany is helping to remedy, so I’ll make an exception. 

Read more:Weary down to the soul? There’s an energy source to consider

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A guide to the Litanies is available as a PDF as well as PDF versions of the Litanies (in Spanish and English) and audio versions. Also people can order high quality paper versions. Here’s the website link: https://www.soulsandhearts.com/lit