Be Thou My Vision
The approximate 2,000 years from the life of Jesus Christ on earth to today are marked with countless stories of the lives of believers and their expressions of faith. Be Thou My Vision is one of these stories which has connected and inspired Christians through the centuries. This great connection of believers is described in ancient creeds as “The Communion of the Saints." Christians throughout the world celebrate this doctrine on November 1— “All Saints Day.”
St. Patrick
According to tradition, Saint Patrick brought the Christian faith to Ireland in the fifth century. Christianity soon became the dominant religion on the emerald isle, supplanting the pagan practices of the Druids.
Among the gifts of Irish Christians to the practice of our faith is a Celtic awareness and appreciation of the presence of God in all things created. Although this spirituality was often at odds with orthodox Christian practice, it continues to be a part of what has become a great tradition of contemplative meditation, prayer and devotion.
Celtic "Lorica"
Both verse and tune of “Be Thou My Vision” date from the fifth or sixth century. Ironically, this hymn has been available to all Christians for only about 100 years through modern translation and versification. This beautiful Celtic “lorica” or prayer expresses a deep devotion and depth of faith in a prayer for protection.
God be in my vision, God be my wisdom, my treasure, God be in my heart. God be the ruler of my life, and God be my inheritance of all that is good, right and true! How moving, but even more so when coupled with the ancient Celtic tune, “Slane." Now, the prayer resonates in our voices and in our hearts—an incredible gift for All Saints Day…or anytime.
God be in our singing!