How lovely is Thy dwelling place (Hymn 851)

Verse 1: How lovely is Thy dwelling place! Within Thy courts I long to be; Thy presence, Lord, my spirit craves, For this my heart cries out to Thee. Verse 2: At Thy burnt-offering altar, Lord, And at Thine incense altar blest, Even the sparrow finds a home, And swallow there prepares her nest. Verse 3: Men, as the sparrow, frail and small, When living in Thy house find rest, Relying on the altar's blood, Enjoying there the incense blest. Verse 4: How blessed are those men indeed! Trusting in Thee they are made strong; Highways to Zion in their hearts, The way they care not, rough or long. Verse 5: Passing the weeping valley they Make it a place of springing wells; The rain with blessings covers it And in the way God's mercy tells. Verse 6: From strength to strength they go, and all Before the Lord in Zion meet; Thus ever seeking Thine own self, They need Thy care and grace replete. Verse 7: Better a day within Thy courts Than days a thousand I would tell; I'd rather at Thy threshold stand Than in the wicked's tents to dwell. Verse 8: Thou art a sun, Thou art a shield, Thou grace and glory wilt supply; Thy presence and Thy very self My need in fulness satisfy. Verse 9: Not one good thing wilt Thou withhold From those who walk in uprightness; Bless'd is the man that trusts in Thee With grace and glory measureless.