Longing for God's House (PSA 84:1-12)

[84:1] How I love your Temple, Lord Almighty!

[84:2] How I want to be there! I long to be in the Lord's Temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God.

[84:3] Even the sparrows have built a nest, and the swallows have their own home; they keep their young near your altars, Lord Almighty, my king and my God.

[84:4] How happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you.

[84:5] How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion.

[84:6] As they pass through the dry valley of Baca, it becomes a place of springs; the autumn rain fills it with pools.

[84:7] They grow stronger as they go; they will see the God of gods on Zion.

[84:8] Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty. Listen, O God of Jacob!

[84:9] Bless our king, O God, the king you have chosen.

[84:10] One day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand anywhere else; I would rather stand at the gate of the house of my God than live in the homes of the wicked.

[84:11] The Lord is our protector and glorious king, blessing us with kindness and honor. He does not refuse any good thing to those who do what is right.

[84:12] Lord Almighty, how happy are those who trust in you!