Be Thou My Vision – Singing my Daily Prayer

“Those who sing, pray twice”

I have been using my favorite hymn as part of morning devotions this week: Be Thou My Vision.

This haunting Celtic tune lingers with me all day. Even though the words are old English with the Thou’s and Thy’s, every time I pray its message, I feel the presence of God.

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.

The hymn is a prayer — a prayer that Christ will be our vision — our best thought — our presence — our light – our everything. Wonder-filled and compassionate phrases such as “Lord of my heart, Thy presence my light, and heart of my heart” enhance our worship. When we surrender our hearts and allow God to have first place in our lives, He becomes our treasure.

Heaven will be “Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.”

Make me consider:
1. What would it mean if Christ were our vision?
2. How would it change our lives?
3. How can I learn to live each day seeing Christ in all things?

My deepest heartfelt prayer is for God to be my vision. To see all people, circumstances, and nature as He does with gentleness, forgiveness, and love beyond measure.