The story behind the hymn
The starting point was the beloved Irish hymn Be Thou My Vision: a prayer that God would become the centre of our attention, wisdom and desire. Be My Vision keeps that posture of devotion while expanding its language and giving the prayer a communal direction.
The opening verses speak of waking, darkness, daily bread and wordless prayer. These are the ordinary places where formation takes root. We ask God to shape our thinking, guide our steps and make His presence fruitful in our actions. Calling Him Father gives this prayer the confidence of children who are heard and loved.
The chorus moves from “my” to “us”. Christ before us and Christ within us becomes the prayer of His people together. The measure of our shared life is His likeness: His faithfulness, holiness, compassion and self-giving love. He gives the Church its vision as we learn to follow Him.
Romans 8:28 is held together with Romans 8:29. God works for the good of those who love Him, and the next verse names the purpose towards which He forms His people: the likeness of His Son. Through joy, loss and labour, we entrust ourselves to His redeeming love and ask for grace to obey.
The bridge brings that vision into the room where Jesus kneels to wash His disciples’ feet. Service gives the prayer a practical shape. Renewed minds, cleansed hearts and willing hands belong together as we seek to make His grace visible in daily life.
The final verse returns to the High King and the language of lasting treasure. The song closes with the same shared prayer that has carried its chorus: that Christ would form His likeness in us for the glory of His name. Its story belongs beside Ecclesia Gloriosa, bringing the Church’s great calling into a prayer we can sing together.
From an ancient Irish prayer
The older hymn comes from an early Irish text. Mary Elizabeth Byrne published an English prose translation in 1905; Eleanor Hull’s verse adaptation appeared in 1912. SLANE is the traditional Irish tune commonly associated with it. Be My Vision uses newly developed verses, a new chorus and bridge, and a different musical setting. The chorus and bridge were written for this project.
Read Be Thou My Vision — traditional lyrics
Traditional Irish hymn. English translation by Mary E. Byrne (1905); versification by Eleanor Hull (1912). Traditional five-verse English text, in the public domain; wording varies between hymnals.
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.