Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Translated by: Mary E. Byrne in 1905
Versified by: Eleanor H. Hull in 1912

“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

The tune for this old song is a traditional Irish melody.

This tune suits the theme and poem extremely well. Our vision toward life is critical to success and happiness. The Christian looks to Christ in all His fullness and power. As this song states: Christ is “Lord of my heart, my best thought by day or by night, thy presence my life, high King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.” When God is first, “man’s empty praises” no longer have a pull on us. Let us not neglect the great old songs. It is the most ancient hymn in the most common hymnbooks used
today. Many churches use “Be Thou My Vision” across Ireland as the opening or call to worship song.

Prayer Focus: 0 Lord be my vision and thought by day and by night.

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.

-Graham McKay lives in Spring Hill, TN

From “A Hymn A Day” with permission from author,