My favorite hymn is probably “Be Thou My Vision”. The melody is ancient, a bit haunting, and
more than a bit beautiful. It’s a simple
song really, yet always moves me like no other hymn I know (save for maybe
“Amazing Grace”, or lately, “Silent Night”).
Why is that? I may
have finally discovered why, after listening to just about the most beautiful
rendition of the hymn I’ve ever heard (from Corrine May, on her CD “The
Gift”).
The reason is it’s a prayer, all contained within a
beautiful, deceptively simple song. It’s
a prayer asking God to provide the vision, to provide the insight to help us
navigate life’s challenges. It’s a song
designed to help us reach out to God, in song, in a way that’s both beautiful
and fulfilling (as I’ve said before, singing helps us truly emote in ways that
the spoken word simply cannot hope to accomplish).
I’m not altogether sure who actually wrote this wonderful
hymn. The melody is indeed ancient, going
back centuries, and I believe the words were translated from older versions of
the English language. Whoever wrote it,
well, I believe they were divinely touched to create this wonderful song.
When you combine prayer and music, well I believe you wind
up with a very powerful force. I’ll bet
God appreciates hearing prayers that are contained in beautiful melodies.
Hey, even the Big Guy likes a little variety once in a
while!
-The Minister
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