Litany of Leisure

When I am tempted to always be doing something,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to be busier than necessary,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to skip prayer,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to give in to distraction,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am being hasty,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to ignore my need for silence,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to avoid holy "interruptions" or "inspirations,"

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to self-hatred,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to be emotionally inattentive or to avoid eye contact,

Help me, Jesus.

When I can’t let go,

Help me, Jesus.

When I’ve lost the capacity for wonder and play,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to talk too much and listen too little,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to idle curiosity,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to use Sunday to “catch up,”

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to exchange “leisurely” activities (e.g. having a good sit, reading literature, savoring natural beauty) for superficial amusement and entertainment,

Help me, Jesus.

When I am tempted to avoid Your gaze,

Help me, Jesus.

Lord, help me to have the courage to do nothing. Amen.

This litany was originally published in The Catechetical Review. Click here for the original article. To download a printable PDF, click here.