O Lord of Hosts, How Lovely

Verse 1

O LORD of hosts, how lovely the place wherein you dwell! Your tabernacles holy in pleasantness excel. My soul is longing, fainting, to see your courts, O LORD; my heart and flesh are singing to you, O living God.

Verse 2

The sparrow finds a home here, the swallow builds her nest, where she may lay her young near your altar, LORD of hosts. How blest are those who dwell in your house, my King, my God; how blest, those singing praises to you, the living LORD.

Verse 3

How blest are those you strengthen, who have a pilgrim's mind. Amidst the vale of weeping, fresh springs and pools they find. From strength to strength advancing, they on their journey go 'til each appears in Zion, where they their God behold.

Verse 4

O hear, LORD God of Jacob, to me an answer yield; the face of your anointed, behold, O God, our shield. One day within your temple excels a thousand hence; I'd rather keep God's doorway than live in sinners' tents.

Verse 5

The LORD our God protects us, our shield and shining sun; the LORD bestows his favor and honor to his own. No good will he deny those who walk in ways of truth. O LORD of hosts, how blest is the one who trusts in you!