Be Thou My Vision

It’s music Monday and I thought I’d take a look at a hymn that we sang in church this past weekend. The inspiration for Be Thou My Vision can be traced back to an event in 5th century Ireland when Saint Patrick defied the High King Logaire and lit a flame to celebrate Easter before the King lit a flame for his pagan celebration. The king in turn rewarded his bravery by allowing him to continue his missionary work. Around 100 years later, Dallan Forgaill penned the original text that was translated to English by Mary E. Byrne in 1905. Seven years later, Eleanor H. Hull adapted the poem into the verse that we know today. It was later paired with the traditional Irish tune Slane.

Be Thou my vision o Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping thy presence my light

Be Thou my wisdom be Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me Lord
Thou my great Father I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one

Riches I heed not nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine inheritance now and always
Thou and Thou only be first in my heart
High King of heaven my treasure Thou art

High King of heaven when vict’ry is won
May I reach heaven’s joys o bright heaven’s Sun
Heart of my own heart whatever befall
Still be my vision o Ruler of all

Be Thou My Vision – Eleanor Henrietta Hull | Mary Elizabeth Byrne © Public Domain

This is one of my favorite hymns.  The imagery that continually brings focus to God is refreshing at the very least and convicting at times as well.  It’s no secret that a lot of what I think about is focus and that’s what this song is all about.