
Thomas More (1478-1535) was Lord Chancellor of England. 6 years after his appointment, King Henry VIII had him beheaded because More wouldn't declare him as supreme head of the Church of England. Following is one of More's prayers. I have taken it into my heart and will pray it regularly. (I should mention that More was also known for his great sense of humour, even sharing a joke as he was about to be executed.)
"Lord, grant me a holy heart that sees always what is fine and pure and is not frightened at the sight of sin, but creates order wherever it goes. Grant me a heart that knows nothing of boredom and sighing, let me not be too concerned with the bothersome thing I call 'myself'. Lord, give me a sense of humour and I will find happiness in life and profit for others."