Psalms, chapter 84

The Joy of Worship

Lord God All-Powerful, your temple is so lovely!

²Deep in my heart I long for your temple,

and with all that I am I sing joyful songs to you.

³ Lord God All-Powerful, my KingI and my God,

sparrows find a home near your altars;

swallows build nestsO there to raise their young.

⁴You bless everyone who lives in your house,

and they sing your praises.

⁵You bless all who depend on you for their strength

and all who deeply desire to visit your templeI.

⁶When they reach Dry ValleyG,* springs start flowing,

and the autumn rain fills it with pools of water.*

⁷Your people grow stronger,

and you, the God of godsI, will be seen in ZionG.

⁸ Lord God All-Powerful, the God of Jacob,

please answer my prayer!

⁹You are the shield that protects your people,

and I am your chosen oneI. Won't you smile on me?

¹⁰One day in your temple is better

than a thousand anywhere else.

I would rather serve in your house,

than live in the homes of the wickedP.

¹¹Our Lord and our God, you are like the sun

and also like a shield.

You treat us with kindness and with honor,

never denying any good thing to those who live right.

¹² Lord God All-Powerful,

you bless everyone who trusts you.