First Blast: Text
שִׁבְתִּי בְּבֵית-ה' כָּל-יְמֵי חַיַּי
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life
Second Blast: Commentary
Radak, a medieval commentator, understands this phrase in light of the previous verse about war. The speaker would prefer to dwell in God’s house rather than fight wars, even if he knows God will help him win. The wars preoccupy his mind and heart, making him unavailable to deal with the needs of the soul. So, this phrase becomes a prayer for the diminishment of war, which will enable people to devote themselves wholly to the cultivation of spirituality.
Third Blast: Practice
Listen to or chant this phrase, using this lovely melody from Navah Tehilah in Jerusalem. As you sing, imagine yourself dwelling in a place dedicated to the cultivation of spirituality and peace, whether that is the ancient Temple or some other real or imagined place.
