“How I love your Temple, Lord Almighty! How I want to be there! I long to be in the Lord’s house. With my whole being I sing for joy to the Living God. 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. Happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you.
How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion. As they pass through the dry valley of Baca, it becomes a place of springs; the autumn rain fills it with pools. They grow stronger as they go; they will see the God of gods on Zion.
Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty. Listen, O God of Jacob! Bless our King, O God, the King you have chosen. 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. The Lord is our protector and glorious King, he blessings us with kindness and honor. He does not refuse any good thing to those who do what is right. Lord Almighty, How happy are those who trust you!”
