Be Thou My Vision
Also known as: Rob tu mo bhoile
Theological Analysis
An ancient Irish hymn expressing total devotion to Christ as the supreme treasure. The petition for God to be one's vision captures the essence of Christian discipleship.
✓ Theological Strengths
- Ancient origin demonstrates timeless faith
- Complete surrender to Christ's lordship
- Rich imagery drawn from Scripture
- Rejection of worldly treasures
- Beautiful balance of intimacy and reverence
Line-by-Line Analysis
"Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art"
Echoes Paul's sentiment in Philippians 3:8 - counting all as loss compared to knowing Christ.
Full Lyrics
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.
This hymn is in the public domain.