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.
prayersofapilgrim.com 
I want to find the source for the above quote.
It seems to me that you say people CAN aspire to kindness.
This is incomplete. People are kindness, it’s our childhood training from our work object adults where we learn to believe we must follow “The Rules”.
The White Bus Swedish evacuators at Ravensbruck SEIZED and destroyed by fire, the few intensely important tiny artifacts that survivors managed to retain while in the camp. Things the slaves had collectively cooperated to hide from the guards at risk of savage beatings or death, a tiny hand made doll, a bit of art, a fountain pen from a beloved father were taken and burned. No exceptions. Yes, the risk of disease from filthy bug infested ragged clothing. But a fountain pen? The Nazi defense of “following orders” and “The Rules” which demand that the Swedes burn everything, are the same playbook. The Swedes bravely volunteered to risk death in an active war zone to help extract the slaves. And then did what they were ordered to do. People don’t kill people, lack attachment in childhood, especially in those “who had a Fine childhood”, separates us from retaining our inherent kindness, and that resultant culture of separation kills people. And that is what these words are about. Do you know the source?
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Did you write the commentary for this prayer or does it come from another source?
Thank you.
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Hi Sara, I wrote the introduction, yes. Thanks!
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