Be Thou My Vision

This ancient poem and tune

are Ireland’s gift to the world.

I was looking for music to fit a sermon series

titled “Becoming Lighthouses of Prayer”

(by Pastor Ken Walker),

and wrote the second verse to fit the sermon theme.

8th Century Gaelic Poem

Translated by Mary Byrne (1880-1931)

Versified by Eleanor Hull (1860-1935)

verse 2 by Gary Hicks, copyright 2010 Gary L. Hicks

tune: “Slane”, traditional Irish tune

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 vision, O Lord, be my light

Wide is this ocean and dark is the night

Be Thou my beacon across these strong waves

Guiding me homeward, Thou, mighty to save.

3. 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.