Hymn Night

In our house, after we eat supper it is our tradition to sit and talk for awhile.  Lee usually leads us in a time of devotion and prayer.  Lately on Tuesday nights we've been taking turns researching and then teaching each other about a hymn that means something to us personally. It's been a lot of fun and very meaningful to  learn the history behind many of the hymns we sing.   A few weeks ago Gracie chose "Be Thou My Vision" as her hymn.  She taught us that it was originally a poem inspired by St Patrick's courage for Christ in 433 AD.  The poem was set to music (an old Irish folk tune) a few hundred years later.  It was not translated into English until 1905.  It's truly inspirational that it has withstood the test of time. 

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.

Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;

I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise;

Thou mine inheritance now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Son!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Give it a listen here:

"Be Thou My Vision": A Tribute and a Reminder

Inspired by an event that helped change the spiritual climate of Ireland, penned by a renowned Irish poet, and paired with the tune of an old Irish folk song, "Be Thou My Vision" stands as a link between Ireland and its Christian heritage. It is a tribute to a significant event in Ireland's history, and a reminder of the sovereignty, strength, and joy of Jesus.

Read more at Suite101: "Be Thou My Vision": The History of a Christian Hymn | Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/be-thou-my-vision-a249138#ixzz1RKTOANZj