[1] Lord of heaven's armies, how lovely is your Temple! [2] I want to be in the courtyards of the Lord's Temple. My whole being wants to be with the living God. [3] The sparrows have found a home. And the swallows have nests. They raise their young near your altars, Lord of heaven's armies, my King and my God. [4] Happy are the people who live at your Temple. They are always praising you. Selah [5] Happy are those whose strength comes from you. They want to travel to Jerusalem. [6] As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it like a spring. The autumn rains fill it with pools of water. [7] The people get stronger as they go. And everyone meets with God in Jerusalem. [8] Lord God of heaven's armies, hear my prayer. God of Jacob, listen to me. Selah [9] God, look at our shield. Be kind to your appointed king. [10] One day in the courtyards of your Temple is better than a thousand days anywhere else. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the Temple of my God than live in the homes of the wicked. [11] The Lord God is like our sun and shield. The Lord gives us kindness and glory. He does not hold back anything good from those whose life is innocent. [12] Lord of heaven's armies, happy are the people who trust you!
