Lent - Day 9

I've had my favorite hymn, Be Thou My Vision, running through my head all morning.  And then, I realized it's Saint Patrick's Day .... which I just kind of have to marvel at, because the history of the song, Be Thou My Vision,  is connected to Saint Patrick, himself.

I don't know all the details, but I know that the song is connected back to 433 AD when Saint Patrick defied his king's decree not to light any candles the night before Easter, because fire was reserved for Pagan celebrations.  Apparently, the king found out about it, but was so impressed with Saint Patrick's "arrogance," that he allowed him to continue holding Easter services.

Anyway, interesting that this is the song that runs through my mind today.  In honor of Saint Patrick, I give you some of the most beautiful words, expressions of the heart, reaching up for the Almighty, I've ever read/sung:

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Nought 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 joy, O bright heaven's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O ruler of all.

May it be so.

Amen.

(And Happy St. Patrick's Day!)