be thou by vision

Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride.
Ni ni nech aile, acht ri secht nime …”

Based on an Irish prayer dating back to the eighth century, “Be Thou My Vision” has become a classic hymn in English-speaking churches, often sung around St. Patrick’s Day.

The Irish poem, “Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride,” which is the basis for the hymn, is often attributed to Dallan Forgaill, martyred at the end of the sixth century.

But it wasn’t until the 20th century, in 1905, that the poem was translated from Gaelic into English by Mary E. Byrne in “Ériu,” the journal of the School of Irish Learning. Eleanor Hull converted the lyrics to “Be Thou My Vision” in 1912.

The lyrics were set to the traditional Irish melody “Slane,” probably just as old as the poem and named for The Hill of Slane where St. Patrick supposedly lit the Easter Eve fire in 433 against the orders of King Loigaire of Tara. The King traditionally lit a fire at the start of a pagan spring festival and had decreed that no one could light a fire before him on this night.

However, when Logaire learned of St. Patrick’s arrogance, he was so impressed he let him continue services.
We can thank St. Patrick’s bravery, or perhaps foolishness, for making a simple folk song become a hymn known for its praise and worship qualities. Some scholars even believe it was St. Patrick who wrote the original prayer.

The words Hull wrote and the music of Slane were paired and became the song we know today. It first appeared in the “Irish Church Hymnal” in 1919.

“Be Thou My Vision” expresses the desires of the Christian heart and devotion to Christ. The lyrics show the adoration the poet has for God through the many names he gives Him — Vision, Wisdom, Word, Great Father, Power, Inheritance, High King of Heaven, Treasure, Bright Heaven’s Sun, Ruler of all.

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 joy, bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.