Forgiveness Poem - Prayer Before The Prayer

This is a recitation of Prayer Before The Prayer which is an absolutely moving poem written by Desmond Tutu and his daughter Mpho Tutu in their book called The Book Of Forgiveness. Whether you are ready to forgive or just not sure yet, this poem starts your journey towards healing, inner peace from pain and trauma, and groundedness. So close your eyes, take a deep breath, and notice what arises within you.

Transcript

Hello friends.

Today I'll be sharing a poem with you from the Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu and his daughter,

Mfotutu.

So let's start by getting into a posture that feels comfortable whether you are seated,

Lying down or standing up.

I invite you to begin with taking a couple of deep cleansing breaths.

This poem is called The Prayer Before The Prayer.

I want to be willing to forgive,

But I dare not ask for the will to forgive in case you give it to me.

And I am not yet ready.

I am not yet ready for my heart to soften.

I am not yet ready to be vulnerable again.

Not yet ready to see that there is humanity in my tormentor's eyes.

Or that the one who hurt me may also have cried.

I am not yet ready for the journey.

I am not yet interested in the path.

I am at the prayer before the prayer of forgiveness.

Grant me the will to want to forgive.

Granted to me,

Not yet but soon.

Can I even form the words forgive me?

Dare I even look?

Do I dare to see the hurt I have caused?

I can glimpse all the shattered pieces of that fragile thing.

That soul trying to rise on the broken wings of hope.

But only out of the corner of my eye.

I am afraid of it.

And if I am afraid to see,

How can I not be afraid to say,

Forgive me?

Is there a place where we can meet,

You and me?

The place in the middle?

The no man's land?

Where we straddle the lines?

Where you are right and I am right too.

And both of us are wrong and wronged.

Can we meet there?

Can look for the place where the path begins?

The path that ends when we forgive.

Reviews

Amazing poem, thanks for sharing! The power of forgiveness

Thank you for reminding me that it’s ok not to be ready to forgive. This practice gave me permission to take care of myself. ❤️