I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest" (Psalm 55:6).
How lovely is Your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near Your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You.
Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob. Look on our shield, O God; look with favor on Your anointed one. Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You.
Psalm 84
Hear my prayer, O God, incline Thine ear!
Thyself from my petition do not hide
Take heed to me! Hear how in prayer I mourn to Thee
Without Thee all is dark, I have no guide
The enemy shouteth, the godless come fast!
Iniquity, hatred, upon me they cast!
The wicked oppress me, Ah where shall I fly?
Perplexed and bewildered, O God, hear my cry!
My heart is sorely pained within my breast
My soul with deathly terror is oppressed
Trembling and fearfulness upon me fall
With horror overwhelmed, Lord, hear me call!
O for the wings, for the wings of a dove!
Far away, far away would I rove!
In the wilderness build me a nest
And remain there for ever at rest
~ Felix Mendelssohn ~ 1844
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