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.

Set to a beautiful celtic tune, this hymn is beloved by many for it’s author’s soulful prayer that speaks to our own yearnings. In everything that comes, we look to God to give us clear sight of the past, the present, and the future. Though the world may attempt to sway and distract us, God’s own self provides a shelter and respite from it all.

Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true Word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; thou my soul’s shelter, and thou my high tower; raise thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

The fulfillment of this prayer to us comes in refocusing in our vision until only what is necessary remains. In this sense, the hymn is remarkably pastoral in nature because the author is speaking both from times of stress and in times of comfort. In all things, then, we trust in God to give us vision, wisdom, blessing, and joy.

Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise; thou, mine inheritance, now and always; thou and thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.

God may be our great treasure, but the vision God grants does not focus us solely inward or even upward. Instead, as we come to know God better we are drawn beyond ourselves to see God in others. Once we have, then we are invited to walk with one another, to serve each other, to love all.

May this vision be in our hearts as we, in all things, seek after our God: 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.