(For the music leader.Psalm 84 leader: See the note at Psalm 8. A psalm for the people of Korah.)

The joy of worship

1LORD God All-Powerful,

your temple is so lovely!

2Deep in my heart I long

for your temple,

and with all that I am

I sing joyful songs to you.

3LORD God All-Powerful,

my King and my God,

sparrows find a home

near your altars;

swallows build nests there

to raise their young.

4You bless everyone

who lives in your house,

and they sing your praises.

5You bless all who depend

on you for their strength

and all who deeply desire

to visit your temple.

6When they reach Dry Valley,84.6 Dry Valley: Or “Balsam Tree Valley”. The exact location is not known.

springs start flowing,

and the autumn rain fills it

with pools of water.84.6 and…water: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

7Your people grow stronger,

and you, the God of gods,

will be seen in Zion.

8LORD God All-Powerful,

the God of Jacob,

please answer my prayer!

9You are the shield

that protects your people,

and I am your chosen one.

Won't you smile on me?

10One day in your temple

is better than a thousand

anywhere else.

I would rather serve

in your house,

than live in the homes

of the wicked.

11Our LORD and our God,

you are like the sun

and also like a shield.

You treat us with kindness

and with honour,

never denying any good thing

to those who live right.

12LORD God All-Powerful,

you bless everyone

who trusts you.