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

Dedicated 6 May 2012
by Thomas S. Monson

Almighty Father, Thou great Elohim, in humility and with solemn reverence, we bow before Thee on this historic day.

We are assembled to dedicate this, Thy holy house. It is a special occasion, for this temple stands on ground hallowed by the sacrifice and suffering of stalwart Saints who walked here long years ago. Today Thy Church shines forth in the sunlight of good will. During the weeks preceding this dedication, thousands of visitors came to see this sacred edifice. They departed with feelings of respect and a sense of appreciation. May Thy blessings attend all who felt the spirit of this Holy House. May that spirit continue with them.

Father, we offer our profound gratitude that Thou sent to this earth Thine Only Begotten Son, who gave His life as our Savior and our Redeemer. The atonement, brought about by Thy Son, gives purpose to our being and turns our thoughts heavenward.

We thank Thee for the Restoration of the gospel through Thy Prophet, Joseph Smith, bringing to the world the true knowledge of Thee and Thy Son and Thy holy purposes.

The Plan of Salvation, taught in the temple with simplicity yet with power, serves as a never¬-failing beacon of divine light to guide our footsteps and keep them constantly on the pathway of eternal life.

As we do work in this temple for those who have gone beyond the veil, may we remember the inspired words of President Joseph F. Smith who declared: “Through our efforts in their behalf, their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them, and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice.”

We seek to be like Thee, O Father. We seek to pattern our lives after the life of Thy Beloved Son. We desire righteousness for ourselves and for our children and for our children’s children. We seek Thy help, Father, to make our homes havens of peace and safety and happiness.

Our Father bless, we pray Thee, the President of the Church and his counselors. Wilt Thou bless, as well, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Quorums of the Seventy and the Presiding Bishopric.

We pray for the temple presidency as well as for the matron and her assistants, that they may all have strength and energy to carry the work forward. May they find great joy in this sacred service. Bless all associated with them in carrying forward the ordinances herein administered.

We express our gratitude for all who have participated in the preparations for this long-waited day of dedication, as well as for those who made possible the successful open house. The doors have now closed once again to all but Thy faithful Saints, so that within these walls, again hallowed and sanctified, Thy holy work may go forward.

Now, our Beloved Father, acting in the authority of the Holy Priesthood and in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, we dedicate unto Thee and unto Thy Son this, the Kansas City Missouri Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We dedicate it as a house of baptism, a house of endowment, a house of sealing, a house of righteousness for the living and for the dead.

We pray humbly that Thou wilt accept of this beautiful temple as the offering of our hands and our hearts for the accomplishment of Thine everlasting purposes. May Thy spirit attend and guide all who officiate herein, that holiness will prevail in every room. May all who enter have clean hands and pure hearts. May they be built up in their faith and depart with a feeling of peace, praising Thy holy name.

We dedicate the ground on which this temple stands. We dedicate every part of this beautiful structure, from the unseen footings to the majestic figure of Moroni crowning its highest point. We dedicate the baptistry, all of the facilities of administering the sacred ordinances, the endowment rooms, the sealing rooms with their sacred altars, and the lovely celestial room, together with all ancillary facilities and the beautiful grounds with their lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs. Protect all from any devastating influence, destruction or defacement.

May this House provide a spirit of peace to all who observe its majesty, and especially to those who enter for their own sacred ordinances and to perform the work for their loved ones beyond the veil. Let them feel of Thy divine love and mercy.

As we dedicate this sacred edifice, we rededicate our very lives to Thee and to Thy work.

Shield us, we pray, from selfishness or sin and provide the power to help us rise above all that is below the dignity of Thy children.

We now dedicate this temple as an abode for Thee and Thy Son. Let Thy glorious light ever shine upon it. Wilt Thou place Thy ratifying seal of approval upon this dedicatory service and upon all we have done and will do in this, Thy Holy House, which we now present to Thee.

May we, Thy children, merit Thy bounteous blessings and Thy watchful care, we pray, in the name of Thy Beloved Son, even the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord, Amen.