Longing for God’s House

For the choir director: on the •Gittith.a A psalm of the sons of Korah.

1How lovely is Your dwelling place,

LORD of •Hosts.b

2I long and yearn

for the courts of the LORD;

my heart and flesh cry out forc the living God.d

3Even a sparrow finds a home,

and a swallow, a nest for herself

where she places her young —

near Your altars, LORD of Hosts,

my King and my God.e

4How happy are those who reside in Your house,

who praise You continually.f•Selah

5Happy are the people whose strength is in You,

whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.g

6As they pass through the Valley of Baca,h

they make it a source of springwater;

even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings.i, j

7They go from strength to strength;

each appears before God in •Zion.k

8LORD God of Hosts, hear my prayer;

listen, God of Jacob.lSelah

9Consider our shield,m God;n

look on the face of Your anointed one.o

10Better a day in Your courts

than a thousand anywhere else.

I would rather be at the door of the house of my God

than to live in the tents of wicked people.p

11For the LORD God is a sun and shield.q

The LORD gives grace and glory;

He does not withhold the good

from those who live with integrity.r

12Happy is the person who trusts in You,

LORD of Hosts!s