I don’t recall ever using this setting of Ps 84 by Michael Joncas. Joncas has written many beautiful pieces of church music that we do use and I’m sure I’ll have more backings for him as I work through the As One Voice volumes. His version of the song here is a stately reverent piece but relies on a good choir and helped by some choice clarinet. Still, no reason the assembly couldn’t tackle the refrain at the very least and good Psalm settings are always gratefully accepted. It can be purchased for download at OCP.
Refrain
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord God of Hosts!
Verse 1
My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord,
My heart and my flesh cry out;
Even the sparrow may find a home,
The swallow a nest for her young;
Your altars, my king and my God.
Refrain
Verse 2
How happy are they who may dwell in your courts,
How happy when you are their strength;
Though they might go through the valley of death,
They make it a place of springs.
Your first rain will bring it to life.
Refrain
Verse 3
O Lord of Hosts hear my cry,
And harken, O God of Jacob;
One day in your house is worth much more to me
Than ten thousand anywhere else.
The Lord is my sun and my shield.
Refrain
© New Dawn Music 1979.