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 that 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 comin' brought goodwill 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 sorta keep us on

Your side, in tears as well as laughter.

I've seen old cows a-starvin', and it ain't no pretty 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 a-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!

amen.