Last week I chose a hymn from the 16th century. Today’s hymn has its roots in the 6th century.  According to the website ClassicFM.com –
“‘Be Thou My Vision’ is based on a 6th-century poem by Irish poet Dallán Forgaill, ‘Rop tum o Baile’.

In 1905, Forgaill’s Gaelic words were translated into English by Irish linguist and journalist, Mary Byrne. Seven years later Eleanor Hull, a scholar in Old Irish, adapted Byrne’s English translation into verse, giving us the lyrics most commonly sung today.”

The words of this beautiful hymn still ring true! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall – still be my vision, O ruler of all!

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, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one

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