"Be Thou My Vision”

“Be Thou My Vision” is one of Christianity’s oldest and best-loved hymns. This eighth-century, anonymous, Irish hymn expresses humanity’s ageless need for a vision of Christ, the Light of the World, and a deep, soul’s desire for His presence (a sun and shield) to guide us through all our days. Have you ever noted the many names and descriptions of Christ as found in this hymn text? Consider the following: Vision, Lord, Best Thought, Wisdom, Word, Great Father, High King, Inheritance, Treasure, Sun, Ruler, and Heart.

All the world needs this vision of Christ as Savior. I am reminded of Paul’s words in his defense to King Agrippa in Acts 26. God sent Paul as an apostle to the Gentiles, “to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” This vision of Christ, the True Light, is also described in Matthew 4:16: “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.”

We who know Him and have been translated from the power of darkness into His marvelous light, need a vision of Who He is, revealed in His Word, so that we may walk as children of the light. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” 2 Cor. 4:6.

And we cannot forget the motivating call of Matthew 5:14-16: “ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Our commission is to share the vision of Christ with our family, friends, community, and around the world.

Mary Byrne first translated this ancient Irish poem into English prose in 1905. Seven years later, in 1912, Eleanor H. Hull versified the text into this familiar hymn and prayer of the heart. The lovely hymn tune that has been wedded with the text is a traditional Irish melody.

1) 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.

2) Be Thou my Wisdom, and 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.

3) Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;

Thou mine inheritance, now and always.

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart;

High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

4) High King of heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.