A reminder that during our Lenten journey, Saturdays will be somewhat different as we sit with an instrumental version of a beloved hymn and take time to ponder the meaning of its lyrics. Only a brief word about the history of the hymn will serve as an introduction, and then after our Scripture reading you are invited to read the lyrics slowly and prayerfully while you listen to the instrumental rendition.
Words of Reflection
Each Saturday as we’ve taken some time for reflection on a great hymn of the faith, we’ve explored the history of the lyrics and have heard stories of faith from those who put pen to paper so beautifully. We’ve been reminded how the poetry of our hymns is often born out of hardship and struggle, and both our devotional and worship lives are richer for what emerged. There’s a bit of a problem with today’s hymn, though—we don’t know much about the circumstances in which these words were written. What is we have is mostly legend.
“Be Thou My Vision” is attributed to a sixth century Irish Christian poet named Dallán Forgaill, although the earliest manuscript we have is from a few centuries after his death. It takes the form of a lorica, a prayer for protection whose name literally means “breastplate.” Some believe Forgaill’s lorica is a tribute to St. Patrick and a story that emerges from his life in the fifth century.
According to the legend, in the year 433 a local Druid king forbade anyone from lighting any candle or flame on Easter Sunday. In defiance of the decree, it’s said that Patrick climbed the highest hill in the area and lit a fire in honor of Christ and his resurrection, a visible proclamation of God’s light in the midst of the darkness. Impressed by the missionary’s devotion and bravery, the Druid king allowed Patrick to continue his work. This legend is reflected in the music as well: the hymn tune for “Be Thou My Vision” is called Slane, in remembrance of Slane Hill, where Patrick supposedly lit his Easter flame.
It’s a powerful legend, and it would make sense that it would inspire a poet like Forgaill, or perhaps someone writing in his name. Regardless of its origin, “Be Thou My Vision” has become a beloved hymn and prayer, invoking God’s protection and reminding followers of Jesus to keep their eyes on him through all seasons of life.
This is a good message for our seasons of waiting and trusting. Even when we can’t see the way forward, we can still stay focused on Christ: our vision, our Lord, our best thought, our light, our wisdom, our true Word, our High King, and our greatest treasure.
Scripture for Meditation:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
—Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Song: Be Thou My Vision
Time of Contemplation:
Read through the lyrics of this hymn slowly and prayerfully. Read them more than once, and pay attention to the movement of your soul as you pray. What words or phrases grab your attention? Why? As you finish, sit in prayerful silence before God and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you something of your need and God’s provision that emerges from these words.
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 lightBe Thou my wisdom
Be 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 oneBe Thou my shield
And my sword for the fight
Be Thou my dignity
Be Thou my might
Thou my soul's shelter
And Thou my high tow'r
Raise Thou me heav'nward
O pow'r of my pow'rRiches I heed not
Nor vain empty praise
Thou mine inheritance
Now and always
Thou and Thou only
Be first in my heart
High King of heaven
My treasure Thou artHigh King of heaven
When vict'ry is 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
Eleanor Henrietta Hull | Mary Elizabeth Byrne
© Words: Public Domain; Music: Public Domain