Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico near the banks of the Rio Grande. He started learning piano at eight years of age. Through his father's work with the United States Department of State, he also spent time in Ecuador and Barbados. It is from his heritage and classical training at The University of New Mexico where Ortega derives his sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk, and rustic hymnody. Fernando Ortega currently leads worship at Christ the King Anglican Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
His album Storm reached No. 197 on the Billboard 200 in 2002, and Christmas Songs reached No. 36 on the Billboard Christmas Album Chart in 2009.
Be Thou My Vision
Fernando Ortega Lyrics
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Naught be all else to me, save that thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking more 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 and I thy true son
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, oh bright heaven's sun
Part of my young heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, oh ruler of all
The song "Be Thou My Vision" by Fernando Ortega is a beautiful and powerful prayer that asks God to be the sole focus of our hearts and minds. The lyrics exalt God above all else and express a longing to be in His presence always. The song begins by acknowledging God as the Lord of our hearts, and asking that nothing else take His place. The singer recognizes that God is their best thought, both day and night, and relies on His presence to guide them through life.
The second verse continues to elevate God by describing Him as our wisdom and true word. The singer expresses a desire to always be in communion with God, and to see themselves as His true son or daughter. The verse ends with the powerful image of God dwelling within us, and us dwelling with Him as one.
The final verse reiterates that the singer's heart belongs solely to God, and that they do not seek worldly riches or praise from others. Instead, they recognize that God is their true inheritance, and that He alone is their treasure. The song concludes with a plea to God to be our vision no matter what happens in life, and to guide us to the joys of heaven.
Overall, "Be Thou My Vision" is a moving and poignant prayer that encourages us to keep God at the center of our lives. It speaks to the desire for a deep and abiding relationship with God, and to the recognition that He alone can satisfy the longings of our hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
Be thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart
Lord, please be the center of my thoughts, direction, and purpose. Be the one on whom I fix my eyes and guide me through all of life's trials.
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art
Nothing else holds value to me except for you. You are everything that I need and nothing else truly satisfies me.
Thou my best thought by day or by night
You are always in my thoughts, both day and night. My mind is continually on you, and I am constantly reminded of your goodness and loving-kindness.
Waking more sleeping, thy presence my light
Whether I am awake or asleep, your presence guides me and brings light to my life. I am never alone or in darkness because you are always with me.
Be thou my wisdom and thou my true word
Grant me your wisdom and help me to understand your true word. I desire to know and follow your ways, rather than relying on my own limited understanding.
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord
May I always be in fellowship with you, and may you be with me every step of the way. Let me never lose sight of our connection and intimate relationship.
Thou my great Father and I thy true son
You are my father, and I am your child. I depend on you for guidance, direction, and a sense of belonging in this world.
Thou in me dwelling and I with thee one
May your spirit dwell within me, and may we be united as one. Allow me to embody your character and bring glory to your name.
Riches I heed not nor man's empty praise
I am not interested in worldly possessions or the opinions of others. These things hold no eternal value and are a distraction from what truly matters.
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
You are my greatest inheritance, and I treasure you above all else. You are everything that I could ever want or need, forever and ever.
Thou and thou only, first in my heart
You alone are worthy of being first in my heart. I want to love you above all else and follow you with unwavering devotion.
High king of heaven, my treasure thou art
You are the highest king of heaven, and I treasure you above all else. You are the greatest gift and blessing that I could ever receive.
High king of heaven, my victory won
You have won the victory over all things, and I take heart in knowing that you are in control. I am assured of your power and sovereignty.
May I reach heaven's joys, oh bright heaven's sun
Help me to reach the joy that awaits me in heaven, oh bright sun of heaven. May I keep my eyes fixed on you as I journey through life's ups and downs.
Part of my young heart, whatever befall
You are a part of my heart and life, whatever happens. No matter what difficulties come my way, I trust in your constant presence and unfailing love.
Still be my vision, oh ruler of all
May you always be my vision, oh ruler of all. Let me never lose sight of your goodness and grace as I seek to live out my purpose in this world.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CAROL TORNQUIST, DP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Janice Bultman Bogott
on Into Your Presence
Is there anywhere I can get the sheet music for piano for this song? I just love it!!