1 How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty!2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young — a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God.4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. [^1]5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. [^2]7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.8 Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob.9 Look on our shield, "O God; look with favor on your anointed one.10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.12 LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.