In Praise of Jerusalem+

1I was glad when they said to me,

“Let us go to the Lord's house.”

2And now we are here,

standing inside the gates of Jerusalem!

3Jerusalem is a city restored

in beautiful order and harmony.

4This is where the tribes come,

the tribes of Israel,

to give thanks to the Lord

according to his command.

5Here the kings of Israel

sat to judge their people.

6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

“May those who love you prosper.

7May there be peace inside your walls

and safety in your palaces.”

8For the sake of my relatives and friends

I say to Jerusalem, “Peace be with you!”

9For the sake of the house of the Lord our God

I pray for your prosperity.