Psalm 84
This psalm expresses a profound longing and affection for God's dwelling place, the temple, where the worshiper desires to experience divine presence and blessings. It celebrates the joy and security found in communion with God. It is traditionally prayed by those who yearn for God's presence, especially when unable to participate in communal worship, or as an expression of devotion and trust in God's protection.
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
1 For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. How lovely are your dwellings, Yahweh of Armies!
2 My soul longs, and even faints for the courts of Yahweh. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Yes, the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young, near your altars, Yahweh of Armies, my King, and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house. They are always praising you. Selah.
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage.
6 Passing through the valley of Weeping, they make it a place of springs. Yes, the autumn rain covers it with blessings.
7 They go from strength to strength. Every one of them appears before God in Zion.
8 Yahweh, God of Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, God of Jacob. Selah.
9 Behold, God our shield, look at the face of your anointed.
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For Yahweh God is a sun and a shield. Yahweh will give grace and glory. He withholds no good thing from those who walk blamelessly.
12 Yahweh of Armies, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Hebrew numbering, the one used in most Bibles and searches. In Catholic liturgy (Greek numbering) this psalm may appear one number lower between 10 and 147.