Cowboy Church #252

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Sweet Hour of Prayer. Prayer is one of the important parts of a Christians life but it also something that many Christians don't spend enough time doing. I admit myself to having been guilty of prayer far less than I should. Yet talking to the God of the universe is an incredible privilege we have and one of the greatest blessings in our lives. 

This is followed by Tex Ritter with I Leaned on a Man. Tex recorded this song on January 15, 1957, and it was released with Children and Fools as its B-Side. The song had appeared the same year in the western movie, The Big Land (1957) where it was sung by Bonnie Lou Williams, who was dubbing for Virigina Mayo. The song was written by Leonard Rosenman and Wayne Shanklin.

Afterwards is Mississippi John Hurt with Praying on the Old Camp Ground. He recorded this song on December 28, 1928.

 Next, we join The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1949 recording of Cowboy Camp Meeting. This song was written by one of the group's founding members Tim Spencer. 

Then comes Red Sovine with Where Will I Shelter My Sheep. This comes from his 1968 gospel album, Sunday with Sovine.

Afterwards is Tompall Glaser and Clint Miller with Glory Train to Heaven. 

Now for Johnny Cash with Wings in the Morning. This wonderful recording comes from John's 1979 album; A Believer Sings the Truth. This was a double length gospel album and Columbia Records felt that such an album from John could never be successful. However, Columbia allowed John to release the album on its own and it was successful earning a spot in the Country Top 50. A shorter version of the album called I Believe would be released in 1984, which would feature a select few songs from the double album. A Believer Sings the Truth would not find its way to CD until 2012.

Today's musical selection ends with Susan Raye with Precious Memories. Though this is a sweet uplifting song, it was based upon a tragedy. In 1922, John Wright lost his five-year-old son. Wright would later say about this song, “’Precious Memories’ was born in the midnight hours as I bathed by pillow with tears, likewise all my songs came through life’s severest tests.” Though this is a very famous hymn, John Wright only received $36 for writing it. He would remain a janitor that was always struggling to make ends meet for his entire life. This version comes from the 1973 gospel album, Hymns by Susan Raye. 

Today's movie is Headin' for the Rio Grande (1936) starring Tex Ritter. 

Now for a message from the Reverend Billy Graham.

Psalm 97

1 The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;

    let the distant shores rejoice.

2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him;

    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 Fire goes before him

    and consumes his foes on every side.

4 His lightning lights up the world;

    the earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,

    before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,

    and all peoples see his glory.

7 All who worship images are put to shame,

    those who boast in idols—

    worship him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and rejoices

    and the villages of Judah are glad

    because of your judgments, Lord.

9 For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth;

    you are exalted far above all gods.

10 Let those who love the Lord hate evil,

    for he guards the lives of his faithful ones

    and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light shines on the righteous

    and joy on the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,

    and praise his holy name.

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.