1 How lovely is your dwelling place,

Lord of Armies.  *

2 I long and yearn

for the courts of the  Lord;

my heart and flesh cry out for  *  the living God.  *

3 Even a sparrow finds a home,

and a swallow, a nest for herself

where she places her young —

near your altars, Lord  of Armies,

my King and my God.  *

4 How happy are those who reside in your house,

who praise you continually.  *Selah

5 Happy are the people whose strength is in you,

whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.  *

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,  *

they make it a source of spring water;

even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings.  *,*

7 They go from strength to strength;

each appears before God in Zion.  *

8 Lord God of Armies, hear my prayer;

listen, God of Jacob.  *Selah

9 Consider our shield,  * God;  *

look on the face of your anointed one.  *

10 Better a day in your courts

than a thousand anywhere else.

I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God

than live in the tents of wicked people.  *

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield.  *

The Lord grants favor and honor;

he does not withhold the good

from those who live with integrity.  *

12 Happy is the person who trusts in you,

Lord of Armies!  *