Psalm 84:1-6
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
What joy for those who can live in your house,
always singing your praises.
What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
Reflection
We invite you to settle into your inner sanctuary with God and read through or listen to the Psalm above four times.
Notice if there is a word or a phrase that stands out to you as you read or listen. Pause between each reading and wonder about what the Spirit has brought to your attention. Spend some time wondering about what it means to you to set your mind on a pilgrimage.