Without context, this prayer will not make sense at all. But to know that this was written on a piece of wrapping paper found near the body of a dead child during the Holocaust makes this prayer one of the greatest prayers ever made. May we find consolation in this — that men and women are capable of much love amidst much hate; that men and women are capable of much mercy and forgiveness amidst an ocean of cynicism and doubt.
Ravensbruck Prayer
Written on a piece of wrapping paper found near the body of a dead child in Ravensbruck where 92,000 women and children died in the Holocaust.
O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will
but also those of evil will.
But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted upon us;
remember the fruits we have borne thanks to this suffering –
our comradeship,
our loyalty,
our humility,
our courage,
our generosity,
the greatness of heart which has grown out of all this;
and when they come to the judgement,
let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.
Amen.
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