Dedicatory Prayer for the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple
Contributed By Church News
The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple was dedicated by Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on April 14, 2019.
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Following is the prayer offered by Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to dedicate the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple on Sunday, April 14, 2019.
O God, our Heavenly Father, we come before Thee in the name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, on this historic day. We pray that all that is done will be in harmony with Thy mind and will. Please forgive us our weaknesses and allow the Holy Spirit to be unrestrained.
We are grateful to be in the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple and in other places of worship throughout the temple district, a district that includes Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
We are grateful that Thou hast heard the prayers of Thy devoted children who have prayed in faith for decades for this great blessing. We thank Thee for directing Thy prophet to build a holy temple in this city, in this country, at this time. We thank Thee for this beautiful building and for all who have labored to build it and for the miracles that occurred during its construction. We are grateful for faithful saints around the world who have contributed the resources to make this joyous day possible. We pray that Thou would bless them all.
We thank Thee for Thy love, for the plan of salvation, for Thy Son, and for His infinite atoning sacrifice. We thank Thee for the Restoration of the gospel, for the restoration to the earth of priesthood authority and priesthood keys so that saving and exalting ordinances can be made here that are binding in heaven.
We thank thee for the pioneers who established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the countries of this temple district. We are indebted for their faith and devotion. Their sacrifices continue to bless us today. We pray that we, too, may follow their examples and be true to Thee in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Now, our Heavenly Father, in the name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, by the authority of the holy Melchizedek Priesthood, and acting in the office of the holy apostleship under the direction of President Russell M. Nelson, who is authorized to exercise all the priesthood keys on earth, we dedicate the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple to Thee and Thy Son. We dedicate it as the House of the Lord, as Holiness to the Lord, and as a sacred edifice for Thy eternal work to be accomplished.
We dedicate the structure, from the footings and foundation to the steeple top. We dedicate the interior, the baptistry, the endowment and sealing rooms, this celestial room, and all other offices and features. We dedicate the beautiful temple grounds and other ancillary facilities. We pray for Thy protection against any forces of nature and that any who come to these premises with evil intent will be frustrated. Wilt Thou keep all safe.
Our Heavenly Father, this holy temple is built on the banks of one of the mightiest rivers of the world, with a constant flow year-round as it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. May all who qualify to be here be like the mighty Congo, continually flowing, like a fountain of righteousness, toward Thee on the covenant path. And like the diamond shapes that are depicted in various areas of the temple, may all, through the challenges and difficulties they endure, become firm, steadfast, and immovable in their faith in Christ and qualify to be Thy jewels and receive enduring joy.
Please bless members of the Church who reside in this temple district. Bless all who desire the higher blessings of the gospel that those blessings may be realized here. Bless them to receive these blessings for themselves and then assist in extending the same blessings to those who have passed beyond the veil of death. As Thy children are faithful to their temple covenants, bless and prosper them and grant them the desires of their hearts. Bless all the patrons who come to this temple that they may be filled with joy.
Bless the rising generation that they may have planted in their hearts the promises made to the fathers and that their hearts will turn toward their fathers and ancestors. Bless the temple presidents, matrons, and ordinances workers who will serve herein. Please provide protection, comfort, and joy to all who labor in the temple.
Bless Thy children throughout the temple district who are hungry, who have inadequate shelter, and who face daily suffering. May they be given special blessings. And bless us that we may individually and collectively be inspired to help in a spirit of love and true charity. May those who oppress and abuse any of Thy children, especially Thy beloved daughters, be thwarted. May this temple serve as a reminder to all of Thy justice, love, and mercy.
May this great nation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, be blessed by the presence of this, Thy house. May the course of history be altered and made more peaceful, enlightened, and joyous for all Congolese because of the holy temple. May the light of the gospel radiating from this temple and future temples be felt in the other lands of the temple district and provide similar blessings.
Wilt Thou, O God, accept this temple as a gift from Thy thankful children. Wilt Thou sanctify it for Thy sacred work and purposes. Wilt Thou visit it and permit Thy Holy Spirit to be here to provide peace and instruction. To Thee be the honor and glory and praise forever and ever, in the name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, amen.
