This is one of the most enduring of Irish hymns. The original words date back to ancient Celtic Christianity of the sixth century (some would make this the late 10th century). Many Celts of that time held to a unique faith in God that was rooted in Catholicism yet was for many less formalized and more about one’s union with God. The Celtic Christian faith was in many respects was far more like the faith Christ delivered than the Catholic religion of that time. Irish and other Celtic messengers helped to spread their faith across the British Isles, Iceland, and into Europe in those early centuries of Christianity.

The hymn is based on an Old Irish poem called “Rop tú mo Baile” (Be Thou my Vision) that is commonly attributed to the Irish Christian poet Dallán Forgaill. There is no true consensus regarding the original author. The poem is in a form known as a “Lorica” or “Breastplate.” These were often poetic prayers for protection, the most famous of which is likely “St. Patrick’s Lorica.” You can read about St. Patrick’s Lorica here. I will publish the entire poetic prayer in a post soon.

For centuries, the poem “Be Thou My Vision” existed as a traditional Irish monastic prayer. The oldest extant copies appear to be from the 14th to 16th centuries. The poem was translated from Old Irish to English by Mary Elizabeth Byrne in 1905, which is the translation most often used. It was reworked into hymn verses by Eleanor Hull in 1912, which became the hymn verses that are widely known today.

The melody is a traditional Irish folk tune named after the Hill of Slane. It was here that St. Patrick is said to have defied a royal edict by lighting an Easter fire in 433 AD. The hymn has been a favorite of many over the last century. This is part due to its beautiful Irish folk melody known as “Slane,” but for many the value is in the lyrics. The words convey the true Christian experience of union with our God, a life lived by the life of Christ in the true disciple.

Below is the hymn with the original five verses followed by three additional verses added by musicians in Ireland.

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 in Thee and Thou in me, Lord;
Thou my great Father and 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 here in my heart; O King of glory, my treasure Thou art.

O King of glory, my victory won; Rule and reign in me ’til Thy will be done;
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall; Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Be Thou my refuge when tempests arise, tower of strength that no evil defies.                    Fount of all wisdom, unchanging, divine, light up my pathway, for ever be mine.

Be Thou my shepherd, my comfort, my stay,lead me through shadows, to bright endless day. Streams of still water flow fresh from Thy hand, guiding my steps to the promised land.

Be Thou exalted, O Lamb who was slain, worthy of honour, forever to reign.                       Alpha, Omega, beginning and end, crown of salvation, my Saviour, my friend.