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It is school time again and our children and teens are traveling to and from school . Let us remember them in prayer as they travel to and from school this whole year. Please be a prayer covering for the safety of our children and teens. With the school shootings and other problems, we need your prayers most than ever.

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Psalm 84, The Psalm of The Third Street Methodist Church

NKJ Psalm 84:1 How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts.

1. How lovely is the Third Street Methodist Church that you have given us, O LORD of Heaven. These beautiful surroundings enhance the worship we give to you. From the sunlight which streams through the beautiful stained glass windows which reminds us of your Son, the true light, to the sounds of singing and music which you gave us to use, we rejoice in your presence.

2 My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

2. Something within us longs for the times we come together to worship you in the Majestic Sanctuary/Court You have given us, and speak to you as a congregation. With a loving heart, mind and soul, we praise the true and living God as though You, our personal friend, was right here in front of us.

3 Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young -- Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God.

3. We were like a sparrow or the swallow without a home nest of our own, but you have opened up your resource and allowed us to have this family home to share. We ask you to let us be a home to raise new visitors and friends into your fellowship. Bless our altars as we commune with you when we remember your death in Communion.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You.

4. Totally bless everyone that comes into this sanctuary to dwell in your presence. Satisfy to the fullest all who come to partake of your mercy and grace. Fulfill the desires of our people to reach out as Your hand to help others. In spite of the disappointments that life has, let us continue to praise you in all things, for You are our Great Shepherd.

(Selah Music)

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.

5. When we feel weak, inadequate, in despair, and lonely, let us know that You are our Strength. and we can overcome all things through Christ who strengthens us. May our hearts be fixed on the goal of being with You through out eternity. We are just pilgrims here on Earth, and our eternal citizenship is in Your Kingdom.

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools.

6. We may pass through dry spells in our walk with You, and we may feel You are far off at times, But please remind us that You are like "Streams in the Desert". Let the living water of the Lord Jesus Christ come up within us as springs in the desert. Just as the rain makes pools of water, so hearing the Word of God, singing hymns, praying together, and fellowshipping makes pools of living water in our innermost being.

7 They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.

7. Let us learn to rely on one another so we can draw strength from one another. Let each one of us be strong for each other when the need arises. Let us learn that we need our personal time with You, Lord, so we can do what You have purposed for us.

8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob!

8. Oh Lord our God, maker of Heaven and Earth, You who put the stars in place, and gave us life, hear us when we pray to You. You are the Jehovah God of the Covenant of Life that you promised through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

(Selah Music)

9 O God, behold our shield, And look upon the face of Your anointed.

9. Our Lord and Heavenly Father, take care of us in our time of need. Be like a shield that protects from all danger. Look upon us as Your loving children, the one who You have anointed with Your Spirit.

10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

10. We would rather spend time with You than anything else we could possibly do. We are willing to serve at any time as Your Children to bring glory to You and Your name. Let us never stray and be in the camp of the unrighteous.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

 11. You, OH Lord, are the source for our needs as the sun is the source of all living plants and animals. We look to You as the great protector of us all. We thank you for Your abundant Grace to us when least deserve it. There is nothing greater than Grace, and we need an abundant source. Thank You for Your covering of glory on us. We may not see the covering, but by faith and Your shield, we reflect Your Glory as our own. When we walk as Your loving and righteous children, you want to give great blessings to us. We are truly unworthy, but we are so thankful for Your blessings.  We praise you greatly.

12 O LORD of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Oh Jehovah God, when we trust in You, we have total confidence in You to meet all needs and protect us. We know that You give blessings that we don't even deserve. We truly praise you and love you as a family here at Third Street Methodist Church.

Selah Music