Introduction
Life can get chaotic. Worries about the past and anxieties about the future often weigh heavily on our hearts. If you’re seeking a way to find peace and calm, prayer can be a powerful remedy. Specifically, the Litany of Trust, a modern-day litany composed by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., encapsulates a series of petitions to God aimed at seeking His divine peace for your past, present, and future.
The Power of Litanies
What Is a Litany?
A litany is a form of Christian prayer in which the faithful ask for God’s intercession through a series of supplications. In the Catholic Church, litanies hold a venerable place, typically used in various liturgical celebrations and private devotions.
Why Are Litanies Effective?
Litanies help us articulate our hopes, fears, and desires, often at times when we find it hard to put these feelings into words. The repetitive nature of litanies is not a mindless chant but a deep, contemplative way to impress upon our hearts the realities we’re praying for. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “In prayer, the pilgrim Church is associated with that of the saints, whose intercession she asks.” (CCC 2683). Litanies often involve invoking the saints to pray for us, recognizing the universal call to holiness.
Litany of Trust: A Specific Way to Peace
What Is the Litany of Trust?
The Litany of Trust is a relatively recent addition to the treasury of the Church’s prayers. It focuses on laying down our fears and anxieties at the feet of Jesus and inviting Him to take control of our past, present, and future. Though it’s not an “official” prayer of the Church, it’s gained approval for devotional use and has touched the lives of many.
How Can It Give Us Peace About the Past and Future?
The Litany of Trust addresses the myriad worries that plague us daily. It is constructed around trusting God, even when it’s difficult to do so. This litany helps us understand that our past, with all its mistakes and regrets, is under God’s providence. Scripture assures us that, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
As for the future, it can often look daunting, but the Litany of Trust helps us place that future into God’s hands, echoing the biblical exhortation not to be anxious about tomorrow (cf. Matthew 6:34).
Scriptural Foundations for Trust
God Controls the Past and the Future
The Bible consistently reassures us that God is outside of time and, therefore, has control over our past and our future. Isaiah tells us: “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!” (Isaiah 43:18-19). God can bring good out of even our most significant errors and regrets.
The Call to Trust
The Scriptures invite us to place our trust in God. The Psalmist writes, “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). It’s a universal teaching of the Church that we are to trust in God’s providence. The Catechism reminds us that “Divine Providence consists of the dispositions by which God guides all his creatures with wisdom and love to their ultimate end” (CCC 321).
The Role of Mary and the Saints
The Litany of Trust, like many other litanies, invokes the intercession of the saints. Mary, in particular, is a model of trust. The Catechism explains that “By her complete adherence to the Father’s will, to his Son’s redemptive work, and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church’s model of faith and charity” (CCC 967). Invoking Mary and the saints helps us follow their examples of trusting in God’s providence.
Some Theological Opinions
Though the Litany of Trust itself is not an “official” litany recognized by the Church, the practice of asking for the intercession of saints and putting one’s trust in God aligns well with Catholic theology. Some theologians have expressed the opinion that litanies, like the Litany of Trust, can serve as an adjunct to more traditional prayers and sacraments in developing a deep spiritual life. However, it’s crucial to remember that this falls under the realm of theological opinion and not universal Church teaching.
Conclusion
Finding peace in a chaotic world might seem like an insurmountable task, but with the help of structured prayers like the Litany of Trust, we can find comfort and peace. Rooted in the Church’s tradition of litanies and bolstered by Scriptural promises, this litany invites us to relinquish control of our past and future, placing them into the capable hands of God.
To quote St. Paul: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
So the next time you find your heart troubled by the ghosts of the past or the uncertainties of the future, consider praying the Litany of Trust. In doing so, you open yourself up to the peace that only comes from complete trust in God’s providential care.