What We Sang Today - 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, 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 heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

– Ancient Irish poem, circa 8th century. Tr. Mary E. Byrne, traditional Irish melody

Eighth century! The words to this hymn are attributed to Dallan Forgail, an Irish Christian poet. Yet not until 1905 was it translated to English, by Mary Byrne. Jars of Clay have recorded a version, though I recognize it as the opening instrumental from Desiring God’s radio show. This hymn reminds me that our only hope and treasure is in our sovereign God.

What did you sing on this Lord’s day?

October 12, 2008 | Filed Under Sunday Hymns