The Cowboy's Prayer
"The Cowboy's Prayer," written by Clem McSpadden, has been widely popular and recited for decades before the beginning of rodeos everywhere.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the words to the original prayer have been altered and numerous, but similar, versions of it exist today. Below is one version of the highly popular "The Cowboy's Prayer."
You might also like: The Roy Rogers Prayer.
The Cowboy's Prayer by Clem McSpadden
Our gracious and heavenly Father, we pause in the midst of this festive occasion, mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us.
As cowboys, Lord, we don't ask for any special favors. We ask only that you will let us compete in this arena as in the arena of life.
We don't ask that we never break a barrier, draw around a chute-fighting horse, or draw a steer that just won't lay. We don't even ask for all daylight runs.
We only ask that you help us to compete in life as honest as the horses we ride and in a manner as clean and pure as the wind that blows across this great land of ours.
Help us, Lord, to live our lives in such a manner that when we make that last inevitable ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush, green and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear and deep, that you, as our last Judge, will tell us that our entry fees are paid.
Amen.
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Below: Cowboys bow their heads in prayer before a ranch rodeo.
About The Cowboy's Prayer and Clem McSpadden
Born and raised on a ranch in Oklahoma, Clem McSpadden (1925 – 2008) lived a long and full life with many accomplishments to his name. He served in the Navy during World War II, was a United States Congressman, worked successfully as a radio and television broadcaster, and was a husband, father, and grandfather.
In the world of rodeo, however, he is best known for his decades-long career as a highly popular and successful rodeo announcer all across the United States and Canada, as well as for being the general manager of the National Finals Rodeo for 18 years (while it was held in Oklahoma City). He is also well known as the author of "The Cowboy's Prayer," above.
More Miscellaneous
- Advice From An Old Farmer
- Cowboy's Prayer
- John Wayne Quotes and Sound Clips
- Prayer At The National Finals Rodeo
- Gene Gene Autry's Cowboy Code
- The Lone Ranger's Creed
- Roy Rogers' Riders Rules and the Roy Rogers Prayer
