The Hymn Translated by Mary Elizabeth Byrne, 1905
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, they presence my light.
O Lord, You who dwells in my innermost place, I ask that I see everything there is to behold through Your eyes. Nothing on earth means more to me than the truth that You are ever before my eyes. The very best thought I had today was of You. Even when darkness creeps over my day, I know You are there. The brilliance of Your glory sends darkness scattering.
Be Thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father; thine own may I be.
Thou in me dwelling and I one with thee.
Lord, I pray Your wisdom be mine. Your words, whether written or spoken, are my true life guide. Through Your wisdom, I revel in the knowledge that You are with me now, and will be forever. You are my great, holy, selfless Father. I am not worthy to host You within me, but I do.
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.
I don’t place any weight on being rich and famous. I am enjoying my heavenly inheritance every day, and I will continue to forever. My heart is filled with love for many, but I give You, King of Heaven, the first fruits of my heart. You are the priceless pearl that I would sell all to claim.
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.
It is because of You that I proclaim victory over death and will live forever under the radiance of heaven. What joy! I matters not what happens in this world; I will remain true to seeing through Your eyes. I know it is You who rules over everything that is known and unknown, seen and unseen.
Be Thou my vision! Amen.