Monday Music - O Lord, Remember

Today I'm posting a song from my If I Close My Eyes CD that seems especially appropriate for Memorial Day. The lyrics are included below.

When Allied troops liberated Ravensbruck concentration camp in 1945, they discovered the horrible atrocities and human loss the Nazi death juggernaut had left in its horrible wake.  At Ravensbruck alone, 92,000 women and children died. The faith, strength and noble spirit of those who endured this incomprehensible persecution is surpassed only by the incredible capacity some of them had to forgive their oppressors. 

The words of this prayer were found written on a piece of wrapping paper near the body of a dead child. Nothing I have ever read or heard expressed from the heart of a human being has moved me more deeply or taught me more about forgiveness.  Never have I seen a more tangible incarnation of Jesus' command to "love your enemies, and bless those who persecute you."  I am indebted to the unknown writer of this prayer.


FORGIVENESS
Oh Lord,
Remember not only the men and women of goodwill,
But also those of ill will.
But do not only remember the suffering they have inflicted on us;
Remember the fruits we brought, thanks to this suffering-
Our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility,
The courage, the generosity,
The greatness of heart...
The greatness of heart which has grown out of all of this...
Which has grown out of all of this.
And when they come to judgement
Let all the fruits that we have borne be...
Let them be...
Be their forgiveness.
Forgiveness.
Amen,  Amen,  Amen.

Words: Author Unknown, adapted by Dave Burkum from Lord of the Journey (Roger Pooley and Philip Seddon, eds. / London: Collins, 1986, p.349), Music by Dave Burkum. © Copyright 1993 by Dave Burkum (burkum.com).