So often the words of a hymn can speak to us if we will take the time to really listen. This particular hymn was pointed out to my confirmation class as our young minister's favorite hymn. Now, as we begin Lent, let us resolve to listen carefully to the words of our Sunday hymns and therefore receive twice the enjoyment - once of the music and for the lyrics.
BE THOU MY VISION
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, and thou my true Word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and 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, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory 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.
Ancient Irish translated by Mary Byrne, 1905
Verified by Elizabeth Hull 1912, alt.
Louise Held (1990)
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