Prayer

Cowboy Christmas Prayer<br />n<br />nI ain't much good at prayin', and You may not know me, Lord–<br />nI ain't much seen in churches where they preach Thy Holy Word,<br />nBut You may have observed me out here on the lonely plains,<br />nA-lookin' after cattle, feelin' thankful when it rains,<br />nAdmirin' Thy great handiwork, the miracle of grass,<br />nAware of Thy kind Spirit in the way it comes to pass<br />nThat hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend<br />nCan look up at the stars at night and know we've got a Friend. <br />n<br />nSo here's ol' Christmas comin' on, remindin' us again<br />nOf Him whose comin' brought goodwill into the hearts of men.<br />nA cowboy ain't no preacher, Lord, but if You'll hear my prayer,<br />nI'll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.<br />nDon't let no hearts be bitter, Lord; don't let no child be cold.<br />nMake easy beds for them that's sick, and them that's weak and old.<br />nLet kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we're after,<br />nAnd sorta keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter. <br />n<br />nI've seen old cows a-starvin', and it ain't no pretty sight:<br />nPlease don't leave no one hungry, Lord,<br />nOn Thy good Christmas night–<br />nNo man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet–<br />nI'll aim to do my best to help You find 'em chuck to eat. <br />n<br />nI'm just a sinful cowpoke, Lord,–ain't got no business prayin'–<br />nBut still I hope You'll ketch a word or two of what I'm a-sayin':<br />nWe speak of Merry Christmas, Lord–I reckon You'll agree<br />nThere ain't no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain't free.<br />nSo one thing more I'll ask You, Lord: just help us what You can<br />nTo save some seeds of freedom for the future sons of man! <br />n<br />nS. Omar Barker