How Dear to Me

How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord My heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest Where she may lay her young by the side of your altars O Lord of hosts, my King and my God Happy are they who dwell in your house! They will always be praising you. Happy are the people whose strength is in you! Whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way. Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs For the early rains have covered it with pools of water They will climb from height to height, and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer hearken, O God of Jacob Behold our defender, O God and look upon the face of your Anointed