The text of this hymn reflects life in early Christian Ireland.  In an era of clan warfare across Ireland, this was originally a prayer for protection using symbols of battle shields and swords to invoke the power of God.  The text may be attributed to Saint Dallan Forgail in the 6^th century.  An English version was translated by Mary Elizabeth Byrne in 1904, then made into verse by Eleanor Hull in 1912.    Since 1919 it has been sung to an Irish folk tune known as “Slane.” A common practice was to name tunes for the place where they were found by folk song collectors, and Slane is a village in Ireland.

Is “Be Thou My Vision” still relevant to us in 2023?  Do we still desire God’s presence in our sleeping and waking?  Do we still crave the wisdom to find direction in our lives?  Do we yearn for protection from hatred and war?  Do we long for the joy and peace of heaven?  The plea is timeless.

This hymn can be sung as a prayer to our loving God.  Knowing his unconditional love, we will hear his answer:  yes my child, I am with you.  I hope you enjoy this rendition.

Judy