Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Dedicated 26–27 February 2000
by Gordon B. Hinckley

Our Beloved Father in Heaven, Thou great Elohim, we bow our heads in solemn prayer before Thee as we meet to dedicate this sacred house. We are grateful for it, and we offer our thanks to all who have labored in any way to bring this undertaking to completion. Praise be to Thy wondrous ways, dear Father.

And now, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Beloved Son, we dedicate and consecrate to Thee and to Him this the Ciudad Juarez Mexico Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Please accept it as the offering of our hands and hearts. To repeat what was said at the Kirtland Temple dedication, may "thy glory rest down upon thy people, and upon this thy house, which we now dedicate to thee, that it may be sanctified and consecrated to be holy, and that thy holy presence may be continually in this house;

"And that all people . . . may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou has sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness" (D&C 109:12-13).

Father, as we dedicate this house we invoke Thy watch care over the entire structure and all of its facilities, even over the ground on which it stands, that all may function properly in providing for the great work, eternal in its consequences, which shall take place within these walls. Save it by Thy strong arm from any destructive force of man or nature.

May it be a house of peace where those who serve may lay aside the cares of the world. May it be a house of love where those who labor may realize that the ordinances here administered, for both the living and the dead, assist in bringing to pass the great provisions of the Atonement of Thy Son. May it be a house of worship where Thy sons and daughters can commune with Thee.

Holy Father, let knowledge of the redeeming power of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ rest upon all who shall serve here. We pray for those who partake of the blessings here to be found, be they officiators or patrons, that all may rejoice in being worthy of the higher ordinances of the gospel.

Bless this great nation of Mexico that it may rise and shine among the nations of the earth. Lift the burden of poverty from the backs of the people. Bless the leaders of government that they may welcome Thy servants, and may the message brought by Thy servants take root in the hearts of many souls.

Beloved Father, let Thy Spirit whisper peace to Thy Saints throughout the earth. May all know that they are members of one great family bound together by a love for Thee and Thy Son. May all work after the pattern which Thou hast stablished, including service in Thy holy temples. Open the windows of heaven and shower down blessings upon the faithful who consecrate their tithes and offerings which make possible the construction of these sacred houses of the Lord.

We pray for the temple presidency that they may have strength and wisdom to carry forward Thy work. We pray that they shall not weary in the great responsibility that is theirs. We likewise pray for the matron and her assistants that they may be blessed with energy and vitality to move forward their very important responsibility. May all who serve here love and reverence this holy house and do whatever they can to keep it clean and beautiful at all times. May Thy people feel constrained in their hearts to come here frequently and engage in the service which will be performed here. May they leave with gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful opportunity that is theirs.

Now, dear Father, Thou art the Almighty Governor of the universe. Thou art all-wise and all-powerful. But Thou art also our Father to whom we look in love. As we love Thee, we love Thy Son, the Savior of mankind in whose name we come unto Thee with love, and honor, and worship.

Accept of our thanks. Smile with favor upon us, we pray in the name of Him who is our Redeemer, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.