The Eye of the Eagle: Meditations on the Hymn "Be Thou My Vision"

by David Adam, Peter Dingle (Illustrator)

The Celtic hymn, 'Be thou my vision' keeps its popularity after twelve centuries because of its vivid response to our deep human need for God. Following the great success of his earlier books, David Adam takes us through this well-loved hymn, discovering the spiritual riches that are hidden in all our lives. The Celtic tradition often speaks more directly to us than foreign The Eye of the Eagle explores the inner resources which are our native heritage. It includes exercises so that we can experience for ourselves the many aspects of vision, which is such a vital part of every Christian life.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

David Adam (b. 1936) was a British priest and author and one of the best-loved figures in Celtic Spirituality.


Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Carole]

The first two chapters were quite moving and 'spoke to me' as I had come to realise the same things myself recently. But then the author kept repeating the same theme throughout the rest of the book - "the celtic christians could see God all around them". I was bored by the end.

[Andrew]

More goodness from David Adam. This is the third book of his that I've read this year; the previous two were books of poetry and prayers. Although this one also includes a wealth of poetry (in particular from the devotional tradition of the outer Hebrides islands) and takes a lyric as its central thematic structure, it is a work of prose that is no less poetical.

He's a wonderful writer. Eye of the Eagle is, at face value, a meditation on the ancient (6th or 8th century) Celtic hymn 'Be Thou My Vision' (the best known English version, on which this book is based, was published in 1912). But what it really becomes is an exploration of the Christian contemplative way of life, way of being, in the world.

Like Adam's other books, Eye of the Eagle can be used devotionally and includes contemplative prayer exercises at the end of each chapter. I'll miss its companionship now that I've finished it.

[Hank]

'Be Thou My Vision' is likely my favorite hymn. From these words, I developed a fascintion for the Celtic expression of Christianity. This, in turn, led me to the writings of David Adam. Imagine my joy at learning that he had written a book of meditations on this particular hymn! I find it thoughtful, and pursuing lines of discussion I hadn't considered. I found several points that I am myself meditating on now that I have finished.

If I have any criticism, it is that the writing does not seem to be as engaging for me, a 21st century Americn urbanite, but rather for a British rural folk - the expressions, while still clearly English, feel as if they are from another place and time. And yet, the truths he speaks to are quite timeless.

I am now looking forward to his other book, 'The Cry of the Deer: Meditations on the Hymn of St. Patrick.'

[Willa Guadalupe Grant]

The author is perfect for people who show up on Sundays but whose grasp of theology doesn't go any deeper than that warming the pew & knowing how to follow the Mass. I bought this with another by the same author, I thought I got a bargain, I was wrong.

[Ricky Stephen]

A rich and beautiful Celtic-inspired approach to many basics of the Christian faith.

[Hazel]

Easy reading, bit repetitive, but I did enjoy it. Meditations are accessible and I will definitely give them a go.

[Andrew]

A sustained reflection on the rich language of the traditional, popular Irish hymn 'Be thoy my vision'. Best read slowly, in order to savour each chapter before rushing on to the next chapter. Through his writings Adam has a gift for drawing us into God's encircling presence and the prayer exercises are also very good.

[Ig-88]

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[Jo]

our minister is currently reading this in a weekly mid-week meditation and it is SO inspiring

[Chris]

Enjoyed it.