Be Thou My Vision

M Byrne (1880-1931) versified E Hull (1860-1935)

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 armour, 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 mine 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 vict’ry is won,
Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.

About This Music

“Be Thou My Vision” is a deeply loved Christian hymn with roots in an early Irish prayer, translated by Mary E. Byrne (1880 to 1931) and later versified by Eleanor Hull (1860 to 1935). It is often chosen for funerals because it centres on trust, guidance, and the hope of heaven, asking God to remain close “both waking and sleeping” and through whatever may befall. The hymn is particularly suitable for Church of England and other Christian services, and it can work beautifully as an opening hymn, a reflective moment, or a closing tribute. Its tone is steady, reverent, and quietly uplifting, making it a fitting choice when remembering a parent, grandparent, spouse, or friend whose faith and values shaped their life. For many mourners, the words offer comfort by focusing attention on what endures, love, strength, and the promise of peace beyond this life.

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