Be Thou My Vision

The story of this hymn

The words began as an Old Irish poem, traditionally linked to the sixth-century poet Dallán Forgaill, though the surviving manuscripts are centuries later. Mary Byrne translated the Irish into English prose in 1905, and Eleanor Hull shaped it into singable verses in 1912. Paired soon afterwards with the Irish folk melody 'Slane', it spread through hymnals across the world. Families often choose it because it prays the prayer a person prayed all their life: that God stay at the centre, whatever befall.

Where it sits in the service

Usually sung early — as the gathering hymn or after the first reading — where its quiet, rising Irish tune 'Slane' settles a congregation; it also follows tributes well. The long lines catch people out, so print all four verses in full rather than trusting memory, and ask the organist or musicians for a steady, unhurried pace.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Hymn — Be Thou My Vision” with the leader or choir named beside it.

How it is actually sung

An ancient Irish text set to a folk melody, and beautiful when sung well by a congregation that knows it — thin and uncertain when sung by one that does not. Check with the minister or organist before choosing it, because familiarity varies enormously between congregations. Four verses, usually all sung.

Printing the words

Public domain in this translation. Print all four verses, and consider having the choir or a soloist lead if the congregation is uncertain of the tune.

This is practical guidance rather than legal advice. Reproduction rights vary by territory, by hymnal edition and by the licence your church holds — the church office is the right place to ask, and they answer this question often.