How dear to me, O Lord of Hosts, The place where Thou dost dwell; The tabernacles of Thy grace In pleasantness excel. My spirit longs, yea, even faints, Thy sacred courts to see; My thirsting heart and flesh cry out, O living God, for Thee. Beneath Thy care the sparrow finds A place of peaceful rest; Where she may safely lay her young The swallow finds a nest. Then, Lord of Hosts, my King, my God, Thy love will shelter me; Beneath Thy altar???s peaceful shade My dwelling place shall be. Blest they who dwell within Thy house, Their perfect strength Thou art; Their joyful praise shall never cease, Thy ways are in their heart. Their tears of grief, like early rain, Sweet springs of joy shall fill; With strength renewed they journey safe To Zion???s holy hill.