1  How lovely is Thy dwelling-place!

    Within Thy courts I long to be;

    Thy presence, Lord, my spirit craves,

    For this my heart cries out to Thee.

 2  At Thy burnt-offering altar, Lord,

    And at Thine incense altar blest,

    Even the sparrow finds a home,

    And swallow there prepares her nest.

 3  Men, as the sparrow, frail and small,

    When living in Thy house find rest,

    Relying on the altar's blood,

    Enjoying there the incense blest.

 4  How blessed are those men indeed!

    Trusting in Thee they are made strong;

    Highways to Zion in their hearts,

    The way they care not, rough or long.

 5  Passing the weeping valley they

    Make it a place of springing wells;

    The rain with blessings covers it

    And in the way God's mercy tells.

 6  From strength to strength they go, and all

    Before the Lord in Zion meet;

    Thus ever seeking Thine own self,

    They need Thy care and grace replete.

 7  Better a day within Thy courts

    Than days a thousand I would tell;

    I'd rather at Thy threshold stand

    Than in the wicked's tents to dwell.

 8  Thou art a sun, Thou art a shield,

    Thou grace and glory wilt supply;

    Thy presence and Thy very self

    My need in fulness satisfy.

 9  Not one good thing wilt Thou withhold

    From those who walk in uprightness;

    Bless'd is the man that trusts in Thee

    With grace and glory measureless.