A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer

The following poem was submitted to an Advent book years ago by the Rev. Glen Fuller, a sinful cowboy who turned preacher and served for many years as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Saratoga.

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-looking 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 that we tend

Can look up at the stars at night and know we’ve got a Friend.

So here’s of 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 old cows a-starving’, 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!