The Hymnbook ‎#440

440. How Dear to Me, O Lord of Hosts

1 How dear to me, O Lord of Hosts,
The place where Thou dost dwell;
The tabernacles of Thy grace
In pleasantness excel.

2 My spirit longs, yea, even faints,
Thy sacred courts to see;
My thirsting heart and flesh cry out,
O living God, for Thee.

3 Beneath Thy care the sparrow finds
A place of peaceful rest;
Where she may safely lay her young
The swallow finds a nest;

4 Then, Lord of Hosts, my King, my God,
Thy love will shelter me;
Beneath Thy altar's peaceful shade
My dwelling place shall be.

5 Blest they who dwell within Thy house,
Their perfect strength Thou art;
Their joyful praise shall never cease,
Thy ways are in their heart.

6 Their tears of grief, like early rain,
Sweet springs of joy shall fill;
With strength renewed they journey safe
To Zion's holy hill.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: How dear to me, O Lord of hosts
• Title: How Dear to Me, O Lord of Hosts
• Meter: C. M.
• Publication Date: 1955
• Scripture:
  Psalm 84
• Topic: Church, The; Dedication Services: Of a Church; God: Protection; God: Strength and Refuge
• Source: The Psalter, 1912

Tune Information

• Name: IRISH
• Meter: C. M.
• Key: E Major
• Source: Melody from A Collection of Hymns and Sacred Poems, Dublin, 1749