O God of eternal joy, how beautiful is Your glorious dwelling place!
My soul longs for the courts of Yahweh;
my heart and my body cry out for the living God.

1
Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow has made a nest for herself.
But I, a humble servant, have found something greater:
You are my King and my God!
How blessed I am to have come to Your altar
and find a place in Your house.

2
O Lord of all, how blessed are all
who dwell in Your house!
They never cease to praise You.
With beautiful songs they proclaim Your greatness
and continually worship You.
Blessed, truly blessed, is the person
whose strength and confidence are found in You!

3
These blessed people have set their hearts
on the paths that lead to the heavenly home;
therefore, they will not lose their way.
Even when they pass through the Valley of Tears,
they turn that valley into pools of refreshing water;
the early rains cover it with blessings
and fill the journey with joy.

4
These pilgrims grow stronger and stronger
as they continue their journey.
They will reach the presence of God
without anyone being lost along the way.
O Yahweh, Lord of hosts,
hear my prayer!
O God of Israel, hear my plea
and answer me with Your tender mercy.

5
O God, our Shield, look upon us!
Lord, look with favor upon the face
of Your anointed ones.
For one day in Your courts
is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather spend one day
in Your house than a thousand days anywhere else.

6
I would rather live at the entrance
of my God's house
than dwell comfortably in the homes of the wicked.
For Yahweh my God is my shield
who protects me from the enemy's weapons,
and He is also my faithful Friend.