My Vision

Friday night, driving home in my jeep, my ears filled with the song from the CD by Rebecca St. James. It moved me to tears. How many times have I heard it before? Too many to count. I was grateful for the dark night around me so no one could see the tears streaming down my cheeks.

Saturday I awoke with the song on my mind. As I went about the day's business, I visited with my best friend. As she washed the dishes, she began to hum the same song. In silent wonder, I listened. No tears. Just deep contemplation of what the song was saying to me. Again, I hid my face by jumping into the jeep and or a driving away.

Sunday morning, the song was in my hands as I held the hymnal. There it was in black and white in front of me. The words flowing from my lungs with each breathe of praise. Only the Lord could have gently allowed the repetition of the song through the past few days.

The week continues and the song crosses the path of my feet in every direction. Now in my ears, now in my mind, now in my hands, at my feet until it has finally pierced and arrived in my heart.

Now in my heart, it is in my eyes… and I understand that I am seeing you, Lord. While I am here at seminary, my Mighty and Glorious King, be Thou my vision.

BE THOU MY VISION

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.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

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 son,
Heart of my heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

In the words of Fernando Ortega, I pray, Lord of Eternity, Father of Mercy, and Keeper of all the stars, friend to the poorest heart, touch me and make me whole.

Lord, heal our nation and our world. Today of all days, as we mourn and remember the lost lives from one year ago, whether the lives were friend or foe, that you would save us all. Touch us and make us whole.

S. Emily Moore