(For the music leader. A psalm by the clan 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,
springs start flowing,
and the autumn rain fills it
with pools of water.
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 honor,
never denying any good thing
to those who live right.
12Lord God All-Powerful,
you bless everyone
who trusts you.