The cowboys I know are simple folk, and for the most part, God-fearing. Also for the most part, you won't find them ranting on about how if you just do your cinches just right and wear your hat a certain way, the Good Lord will smile down on you and bless your britches off.
No, sir. Their faith is earthy. Only a few simple things are asked of us. Take care of kinfolk, even the nasty ones. Be kind to critters and tend to them in the best way possible. Treasure children. Be humble. Be respectful.
They are praying people. But they don't waste their breath on frivolous prayers that might take God away from more important matters. They pray before rodeos, for no injuries and honesty. They pray before eating. And when you go to Cowboy Church, it's just fine to wear your work-worn boots and dusty jeans. Be yourself. It's the way the Good Lord meant it to be.
There is a classic cowboy prayer I'd like to share. Each year, we get at least one Christmas card bearing these timeless words. It best tells the heart of a true cowboy.
By S. Omar Barker (1894-1985)
I ain't much good at prayin', and You may not know me, Lord-
I ain't much seen in churches where they preach Thy Holy Word,
But you may have observed me out here on the lonely plains,
A-lookin' after cattle, feelin' thankful when it rains,
Admirin' Thy great handiwork, the miracle of grass,
Aware of Thy kind spirit in the way it comes to pass
That hired men on horseback and the livestock we tend
Can look up at the stars at night and know we've got a friend.
So here's ol' Christmas comin' on, remindin' us again
Of Him whose coming brought good will into the hearts of men.
A cowboy ain't no preacher, Lord, but if You'll hear my prayer,
I'll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.
Don't let no hearts be bitter, Lord.
Don't let no child be cold.
Make easy beds for them that's sick and them that's weak and old.
Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we're after,
And sorter keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.
I've seen ol' cows a-starvin, and it ain't no happy sight:
Please don't leave no one hungry, Lord, on thy good Christmas night-
No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet-
I'll aim to do my best to help You find 'em chuck to eat.
I'm just a sinful cowpoke, Lord-ain't got no business prayin'-
But still I hope You'll ketch a word or two of what I'm sayin':
We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord-I reckon you'll agree
There ain't no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain't free.
So one thing more I'll ask You, Lord: Just help us what you can
To save some seeds of freedom for the future sons of man.
May your neighbours respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you and
Heaven accept you. - Unknown
Merry Christmas -- from the Ranch
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