Be thou my vision

For as long as I can remember, my favorite hymn has been "Be Thou My Vision"-- the Old Irish hymn originally sung by 6th century monks. It is such a deep and heartfelt song. When I sing it, I just feel so connected and close to God. I also love the history behind the song. I can imagine earlier Christians singing this song (though not in English) with such great emotion and meaningful devotion.

The English version (written in 1912) that I am familiar with is still sung to the tune in which it was sung originally. The music is the Irish folk song, "Slane," which is about Slane Hill, where in A.D. 433, St. Patrick defied the pagan High King Loegaire of Tara by lighting candles on Easter Eve. The following is a picture of modern-day Slane Hill.

"Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart.
Be all else but naught to me, save that thou art.
Be thou my best thought, in the day and the night.
Both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.
 
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word.
Be thou ever with me, and I with thee Lord.
Be thou my great Father, and I thy true son.
Be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.

Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight.
Be thou my whole armor, be thou my true might.
Be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower.
O raise thou me heavenward, great power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise.
Be thou my inheritance, now and always.
Be thou and thou only, the first in my heart.
O sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.

High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright sun.
O grant me its joys after victory is won.
Great heart of my own heart, whatever befall.
Still be thou my vision, O ruler of all."