The Clown's Prayer

Chris Farley (from Saturday Night Live and Tommy Boy) was known to have carried this prayer with him in his wallet.

[1][2] It commonly includes the following four verses:[3][1] As I stumble through this life, help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair.

[5] This version was written by Walter Grogan and published in The Pall Mall Magazine in 1907.

But, Lord, beneath my mirthful face I hide a tear, And when the crowd laugh at the fair They seem to gibe at my despair And mock my fear.

Lord, I am poor save in this wise: A child have I, And as I joke the best I may, He, uncomplaining fades away And soon must die.