The Diary of Caspar Kruse III, Executioner: Goslar, October 7, 1632 – Prayer


September 07, 2025

Lord,

You who know all hearts, mine as well—
grant me strength to fulfill justice without pride,
without the vanity of power,
without the coldness of habit.

Grant me obedience,
yet not the kind that makes one deaf to what is just.
Let my hands be hard where they must,
yet let my heart not turn to stone.

I do not ask You to release me from my office,
but see my struggle within it.
See not only what I do,
but also how heavy it weighs upon me.

Give me fire, Lord—
not to burn,
only to remain warm within.

Amen.




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