KATC Hymn of the Month

Be Thou My Vision

Text-Irish hymn, c. 8th century
Translated by Mary E. Byrne, 1880-1931
Versified by Eleanor H. Hull, 1860-1935
Music--Irish Melody
Arrangement--Norman Johnson, 1928-1983

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he - Proverbs 29:18

This eighth-century, anonymous, Irish hymn text expresses, in the quaint

Celtic style, the ageless need of a person to have a heavenly vision and to

experience God's care and personal presence throughout this earthly

pilgrimage. The author's high regard for God is evident in the various

titles ascribed Him: Vision, Lord, Best Thought, Wisdom, Word, Great

Father, High King, Inheritance, Treasure, Sun, Ruler, and Heart.

Another interesting verse often omitted in our hymnals is as follows:

Be Thou my breast-plate, my sword for the fight,

Be Thou my armour, and be Thou my might;

Thou my soul's shelter, and Thou my high tower,

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my Power.

Click the link above to enjoy Rend Collective’s version of this great hymn!