Be Thou My Vision

Original meeting date - September 12th, 2025

This is likely the oldest hymn, created in the 8th century, to commemorate saint Peter’s

missionary work in Ireland. Songs carry significance for us for many different reasons, and

while the history of Peter, the inspirational creation and rediscovery of the song itself, and

the beauty of the melody and lyrics are each worthy of recognition and even amazement,

it’s the actual meaning of the song that keep it as my favourite. Before we get into that,

would anyone like to share what their favourite hymn is, and why?

Back to “Be Thou My Vision”, there are so many bible references I can’t do them justice in

this short devotional, but let’s have a look at just the first verse as an example.

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 and by night;

Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

There are so many bible verses that relate to this passage. Let’s look up these two to start

and discuss: Psalm 16:8, Hebrews 12:2.

Other verses that relate to this part of the song are explained well here:

2 Chronicles 20:12 (AMP): “O our God, will you not judge them? For we are powerless

against this great multitude which is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but

our eyes are on you.” Here, the focus is on God’s ability to act and provide when facing

overwhelming circumstances.

Isaiah 26:3 (NLT): “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts

are fixed on you!”. This verse connects keeping your thoughts on God with experiencing

perfect peace.

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV): “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,

since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”. This verse suggests

focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary, worldly things.

The main point is that to focus on God is the key to living our lives in a way that honors him,

and provides us with hope, strength, inspiration and peace for our daily struggles. As we

sing this hymn together, I hope each person is refreshed and encouraged, knowing God is

here, loving and supporting us in every situation.

Be Thou My Vision

Verse 1

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

Verse 2

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

Verse 3

Riches I heed not nor man’s empty praise

Thou mine inheritance now and always

Thou and Thou only be first in my heart

High King of heaven my treasure Thou art

Verse 4

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