12/29/2024
I aināt much good at prayinā, and You may not know me, Lord ā
For I aināt much seen in churches, where they preach Thy Holy Word.
But you may have observed me out here on the lonely plains,
A-lookinā after cattle, feelinā thankful when it rains.
Admirinā Thy great handiwork.
The miracle of the grass,
Aware of Thy kind Spirit, in the way it comes to pass
That hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend
Can look up at the stars at night, and know weāve got a Friend.
So hereās olā Christmas cominā on, remindinā us again
Of Him whose coming brought good will into the hearts of men.
A cowboy aināt a preacher, Lord, but if Youāll hear my prayer,
Iāll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.
Donāt let no hearts be bitter, Lord.
Donāt let no child be cold.
Make easy the beds for them thatās sick and them thatās weak and old.
Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what weāre after,
And sorter keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.
Iāve seen olā cows a-starvinā ā and it aināt no happy sight;
Please donāt leave no one hungry, Lord, on Thy Good Christmas Night ā
No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet
Iāll do my doggone best to help you find āem chuck to eat.
Iām just a sinful cowpoke, Lord ā aināt got no business prayinā
But still I hope youāll ketch a word or two, of what Iām sayinā:
We speak of Merry Christmas, Lordā
I reckon Youāll agreeā
There aināt no Merry Christmas for nobody that aināt free!
So one thing more I ask You, Lord: just help us what You can
To save some seeds of freedom for the future Sons of Man!
ā S. Omar Barker