A New Verse to an Old Hymn?

By: Debbie Christopher~~Did I just write a new verse for a beautiful old hymn?

While we were visiting our daughter’s family’s church earlier this month, we sang a beautiful hymn with such sweet, powerful lyrics that truly worship our faithful and loving Father. In recent weeks, the hymn has been replaying in my mind with words that don’t show up in the official lyrics.

But first, a little history behind ‘Be Thou my Vision’. This old, old poem that was translated into English and matched with the tune of an ancient Irish folk tune is shared—along with the singing of the hymn—in the attached link below. It is a beautiful description, and I encourage to take a quick listen.

https://youtu.be/zfeop7Ilaq0

As mentioned in the link above, these lyrics became a prayer that acknowledged God as the Center of our being—our vision, our wisdom, and our protector.

I admit, it is a ‘funny’ coincidence that I hummed this tune with these ‘new’ words as I was going through the process of two cataract surgeries…but I don’t think that was the basis of my thoughts. The sweet tune and these lyrics remain stuck (hidden?) in my heart as a calming assurance of Proverbs 3:5-6 whenever life gets bumpy and uncertain.

My new words?

Be thou my vision

I ask thee to stay

close by my side, LORD

Both now and always.

As mentioned above:

Be the Center of my being—my vision, my wisdom, and my protector.

Both now and always…

~Debbie