Be Thou My Vision – Hymn Lyrics

“Be Thou My Vision” is a traditional Christian hymn of Irish origin, often attributed to the 6th-century Irish poet Dallán Forgaill. The English lyrics were translated by Mary E. Byrne in 1905 and versified by Eleanor H. Hull in 1912. The hymn is a prayer for God’s guidance, wisdom, and presence in one’s life.

Be Thou My Vision

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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

This hymn is a profound expression of devotion and reliance on God as the source of wisdom, guidance, and strength. It is often sung in worship services and personal prayer as a reminder to keep God at the center of one’s life. The melody commonly used is the Irish folk tune “Slane,” which adds to the hymn’s timeless and meditative quality.