Be Thou My Vision

Ancient Irish Poem (8th c.)
Translated by Mary E. Byrne (1880-1931)
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
--Hebrews 12:1-2

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.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

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.

Although the words to this magnificent hymn were written somewhere around the eighth century and were sung to a traditional Irish melody of that era, the depth of their meaning still touches hearts today. Fresh and alive, the cry of the song is to know Christ as all in all and to treasure Him. How blessed we would be if we would truly ponder and pray this prayer at the start of each new day!

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