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 Sun!

Heart of my own heart, what ever befall,

Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

WHEREVER MUSIC HAS FLOURISHED, love songs have always been popular. But have you ever wondered what a love song directed to God might sound like? If I had to take a guess, Be Thou My Vision would definitely be in the “Top 10 All-Time Best Love Songs to God” category. To illustrate what I mean, please allow me the freedom to paraphrase this wonderful hymn:

Dear Daddy,

I want you to be the very focus and purpose of my life. Nothing else in this world matters except for knowing you. Of all the thousands of thoughts that come to my mind during the day, my most cherished thoughts are of you. You are, in fact, the light of my life!

Daddy, please give me wisdom and guidance as I live in this world. I will always be by your side just like you have always been by mine. Although I have an earthly father, you will always be my ‘true’ father, and I will always be your ‘true’ son. Nothing in this world will ever separate us!

Even if someone offered me all the money in this world, I would still turn it down! Knowing you, Daddy, is what makes me “rich.” And even if the whole world showered praises on me, I would consider them meaningless. Only your praise means anything to me. And Daddy, please know this—forever I will keep you first in my heart, and forever you will be my greatest treasure.

Although this world is always a battle, Daddy, if you are beside me, I’ve already won the fight! And when I finally do come home to you, I want to enter like a brilliant light with no regrets and no shame. Just as my heart is knitted to your heart, no matter what happens, Daddy keep my eyes focused on you, and always be my very reason for living.

Love,

Your Child