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My wife and I watch a lot of the old Western many of which often talk about God.

Cowboy Poetry

by Bill Jones

Jake, the rancher, went one day
to fix a distant fence.
The wind was cold and gusty
and the clouds rolled gray and dense.

As he pounded the last staples in
and gathered tools to go,
The temperature had fallen,
the wind and snow began to blow.

When he finally reached his pickup,
he felt a heavy heart.
From the sound of that ignition,
he knew it wouldn't start.

So Jake did what most of us
would do if we had been there.
He humbly bowed his balding head
and sent aloft a prayer.

As he turned the key for the last time,
he softly cursed his luck.
They found him three days later,
frozen stiff in that old truck.

Now Jake had been around in life
and done his share of roaming.
But when he saw Heaven, he was shocked --
it looked just like Wyoming!

Of all the saints in Heaven,
his favorite was St. Peter.
(Now, this line ain't needed
but it helps with rhyme and meter)

So they set and talked a minute or two,
or maybe it was three.
Nobody was keeping' score --
in Heaven time is free.

"I've always heard," Jake said to Pete,
"that God will answer prayer,
But one time I asked for help,
well, he just plain wasn't there."

"Does God answer prayers of some,
and ignore the prayers of others?
That don't seem exactly square --
I know all men are brothers."

"Or does he randomly reply,
without good rhyme or reason?
Maybe, it's the time of day,
the weather or the season."

"Now I ain't trying to act smart,
it's just the way I feel.
And I was wondering', could you tell me --
what the heck's the deal?!"

Peter listened very patiently
and when Jake was done,
There were smiles of recognition,
and he said, "So, you're the one!!"

"That day your truck, it wouldn't start,
and you sent your prayer a flying,
You gave us all a real bad time,
with hundreds of us trying."

"A thousand angels rushed,
to check the status of your file,
But you know, Jake, we hadn't heard
from you in quite a long while."

"And though all prayers are answered,
and God ain't got no quota,
He didn't recognize your voice,
and started a truck in Minnesota."

A Cowboy’s Prayer

Oh, Dear Lord thanks for hearing my plea;
And from the bonds of sin rescuing me.

Dark was the path that I once did ride;
But now light is my trail with you as my guide.

Thought sometimes off your range I may stray;
But steeped in your word I soon mend my ways.

For uncertain and sad is the road ridden alone;
But certain and glad is my road when I atone.

For who better to guide me than he who made all;
Who could ride with the Lord and not ride tall.

Give us this day, our bacon and beans;
Knowing if the trail gets rough it’s on you we can lean.

And when it comes time for me to return to the ranch;
All I ask is that you would give this old cowboy a chance.

A cot in Heaven’s bunkhouse is all that I seek;
And a chance to ride for your brand forever in peace.

By Jack Cook
© 2015 Jack Cook. All Rights Reserved.

The Lantern on the Wagon
Red Steagall

I was out on night guard when the storm come rollin’ in
The lead steer got up to his feet and raced into the wind
The air was filled with lightning as it jumped from horn to horn
My night horse took the challenge and we rode into the storm

I tried to turn the leaders but they scattered like the wind
I held onto a hundred head and turned ‘em back again
I rode with no direction as I pushed them thru the night
Then way off in the distance was a tiny point of light

Yes, the lantern on the wagon led me safely thru the storm
A beacon shining brightly, I was lost and all alone
As I wandered in the darkness, was a warm and welcome sight
The lantern on the wagon led me safely thru the night

If your life has no direction and you think you’ve lost your way
I have a friend who’ll help you, all you have to do is pray
It’s the one who’s love is constant, you don’t have to ride alone
All you need to do is ask Him and He’ll lead you safely home

Like the lantern on the wagon, He’ll lead you safely thru the storm
A beacon shining brightly when you’re lost and all alone
If you’re wandering in the darkness, He’s a warm and friendly sight
His light of love will lead you safely thru the darkest night
Yes, His light of love will lead you safely thru the darkest night