When the Lord
brought home
the captives
of Zion,
it seemed to us like a dream.
Our mouths
were filled with laughter,
on our lips
were songs.
For those who are sowing,
in tears are going,
carrying
the seed.
But coming back,
they come back singing,
carrying
the sheaves.
What great things,
what marvels
has the Lord done for us;
for this
we are full of joy.
For those who are sowing…
Those who go sowing,
they are
in sadness,
but when they reap,
they shout for joy.
For those who are sowing…

How lovely are your dwelling places, O Lord,
Lord of Hosts!
My soul longs and yearns
for the courts of the Lord.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
the swallow its nest
near your altars, O Lord,
my King and my God,
my King and my God.
Happy is he who lives in your house,
ever singing your praise,
ever singing your praise.
Happy is he who finds in you the strength
and decides in his heart
to make the holy journey.
Passing through the valley of weeping,
he changes it into a spring;
his strength grows along the way,
till he arrives in Zion, till he arrives in Zion.
For me a day in your courts
is worth more
than a thousand elsewhere.
To dwell at the gate of your house
is better than to live in the palaces of the mighty.
Passing through the valley of weeping…
For me a day in your courts …

Like honey flowing from the comb
and milk from the breast of a woman
who loves her babies,
as a spring pours out its peaceful waters,
so my heart pours out its praise.
And from my lips springs forth praise for him
and my mouth is full of the sweetness of his name
and my limbs delight in his songs.
Because his light eases my pain,
because his simple and loving gaze
heals my heart,
because immortal life
has made its home within us.
Alleluia, alleluia, allelu, allelu, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, allelu, allelu, alleluia!
Like honey flowing from the comb
and milk from the breast of a woman
who loves her babies,
as a spring pours out its peaceful waters,
so my heart pours out its praise.
And my face lights up with his joy
and my spirit rejoices in his love
and my heart, filled with his serene light,
feels the love of his gaze.
Because in him fear becomes trust.
Because in him fear becomes trust.
Because in him salvation is secure.
Because in him salvation is secure.
Because immortal life
has made its home within us.
Alleluia, alleluia, allelu, allelu, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, allelu, allelu, alleluia!