Today’s prayer poem was inspired by David Cole and his book, Celtic Lent: 40 days of devotions to Easter, particularly his thoughts from Wednesday in the third week of Lent.

In his reflection, Cole shares the Celtic origin story of the famous hymn, “Be thou my vision,” which comes from Ireland and is most commonly dated around the eighth or ninth century, though some believe that it has an earlier date than that. It is thought that the early Irish saint and poet Dallán, also known as Eachaid mac Colla, who died around 598, may have been the writer of some early form of this hymn…”

He goes on to share that the version many of us are used to singing in church was versified as a hymn by Eleanor Hull (1860-1935), which was taken from a more literal translation written by Mary Byrne (1880-1931).1

Finally, Cole invites his readers to write their own “Be thou” or “You be” statements. Today’s prayer poem is my response to his prompt.

Be Thou (You Be)

Be thou my mother.
Be thou my father.
Be thou my sister.
Be thou my brother.

Be thou my neighbor.
Be thou the stranger.
Be thou my healer. 
Be thou my friend.

Be thou my ears.
Be thou my eyes.
Be thou my hands.
Be thou my feet.

Be thou my food.
Be thou my drink.
Be thou my wisdom.
Be thou my strength.

Be thou my forest.
Be thou my river.
Be thou my sun.
Be thou my sky.

Be thou my coming.
Be thou my going.
Be thou my breath.
Be thou my rest.

Be thou my light.
Be thou my life.
Be thou my song.
Be thou my joy.

An Invitation

1. What word or phrase from today’s prayer poem captures your attention, speaks to your heart, or creates a longing within you?

2. As you continue to sit with today’s prayer poem, consider asking God, What is your invitation here for me today? Take a moment to listen for God’s response, through your thoughts, emotions, and physical being, and respond to God however you feel led.

3. Consider David Cole’s invitation: “If you were going to write a verse to this poem/hymn, what would follow your “Be thou” statements? Perhaps write some now.”2 If you write your own, consider dropping it in the comments below!!

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