Dwelling Places

Dwelling Places, written by Miriam Webster, closes this collection with a theme that could also summarize Terry MacAlmon's ministry: hunger for God Himself. The song carries the language of Psalm 84 - longing for God's dwelling place, thirsting after Him, finding joy and reward in Jesus, and responding with wholehearted love.

Terry did not write the song, but it sits naturally among his own compositions because it expresses the same priority he has taught for decades. Worship begins with wanting God. Not merely wanting what He can give, not wanting a powerful meeting for its own sake, but wanting Him. Terry has said that one of the keys to entering God's presence in worship is wholehearted desire, joined with a willingness to wait. Dwelling Places gives that desire a melody.

The song appeared in Terry's World Prayer Center worship and on The Sound of Heaven, and its quiet intensity makes it a natural bridge from corporate singing into personal devotion. The worshipper does not stand at a distance admiring God's house; the heart wants to dwell near Him and follow wholly after Him.

That is why this song belongs so comfortably in Terry's story. His ministry has always insisted that music is not the destination. Even the most beautiful worship song is only a vehicle. The destination is the Lord Himself. Dwelling Places ends where true worship always ends: not with a song successfully completed, but with a heart still pursuing God, still loving Him and still longing to remain in His presence.