When and How to Pray the Litany of Trust
Pray the litany when you feel afraid, face an uncertain decision or find yourself trying to control everything. Read each petition slowly and pause before its response. You can pray it alone, with your family or during Eucharistic adoration; in a group, one person can read the petitions while everyone gives the response. There is no required number of days: return to it as often as it helps you turn toward Jesus.
Who Wrote the Litany of Trust?
Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, SV, of the Sisters of Life composed the Litany of Trust. The sisters offer the complete prayer on their website and permit reprints for personal or parish use with credit to their community. Their official text records an imprimatur from the Archdiocese of New York dated May 1, 2023.
What Does the Litany of Trust Mean?
The prayer begins by asking Jesus to deliver us from fears and attitudes that make trust difficult. It then turns to affirmations of His love, presence and care. Its repeated responses give us simple words to pray even when our feelings have not caught up with our faith. Trust in God includes taking the next responsible step: asking for help, keeping an appointment, seeking forgiveness or carrying out a duty.
Can I Pray the Litany of Trust for Anxiety?
Yes. The litany names anxiety about the future and invites you to bring it to Jesus. You do not need to feel calm before you begin. If worry is persistent or disrupts daily life, prayer can accompany support from a priest, a trusted person and a qualified health professional.
Is the Litany of Trust the Same as the Surrender Novena?
No. The Litany of Trust is a series of petitions and responses by the Sisters of Life; the Surrender Novena of Fr. Dolindo is a separate nine-day devotion. Both help us entrust our lives to Jesus. You may also find the Prayer of Abandonment helpful when placing a particular concern in God’s hands, or pray the Litany of Humility when seeking freedom from the need for approval.