Getting the Most from Doctrine and Covenants 109

Ideas for studying the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer

Church leaders often talk about power that those who serve and worship in the temple can receive. Sometimes that might feel abstract or out of reach. But several scriptures teach that Church members can be “endowed with power from on high” (see Luke 24:49; Doctrine and Covenants 38:32; 95:8; 105:11; 109:35).

President Russell M. Nelson taught that Doctrine and Covenants 109 can teach us more about this power: “Joseph Smith’s dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple is a tutorial about how the temple spiritually empowers you and me to meet the challenges of life in these last days. I encourage you to study that prayer.”

Themes in Doctrine and Covenants 109

Identifying themes in the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer can enhance your study. Here are a few selected themes related to finding power through temple worship. As you study, you may find other themes and principles.

Revelation and Instruction (verses 8, 14)

We can go to the temple to receive revelation, clarity, and wisdom that will help us navigate life’s challenges.

Sanctification and Holiness (verses 12, 20)

Worshipping in the house of the Lord gives us a place to go that is sanctified and holy, where no unclean thing enters.

Unity and Connection (verses 6, 17–19, 24, 67, 72)

As we participate in temple ordinances, we are united as children of the covenant and better prepared for the Savior’s return.

Divine Power and Protection (verses 22, 26)

The challenges of living in the last days can be difficult. Worshipping in the temple and keeping our covenants give us protection from evil.

Glory of God Manifests Itself (verses 5, 12, 37, 77)

The house of the Lord is a place where God can manifest His presence and His glory. As we worship there, we receive His light and glory into our lives.

Joy and Peace (verses 39, 76, 80)

When we make and keep covenants, we open the way for God to bless us with peace, joy, and renewal, giving us power to overcome trials in these latter days.

Promises and Privileges

Studying Doctrine and Covenants 109 can increase your understanding of the promises and blessings obtained by worshipping in the house of the Lord. As President Nelson taught, “Understanding the spiritual privileges made possible in the temple is vital to each of us today.”

Additional Study Ideas

You can further enhance your study of the dedicatory prayer by using the themes highlighted in this article, or others you may identify, with the following exercises:

Create a table with headings such as “Verses,” “Theme,” “What This Means to Me.”
Create a tag for each theme in the Gospel Library app and add scriptures to each tag as you study.
Use the Guide to the Scriptures or the Topical Guide and look up scriptures associated with each theme. Create a scripture chain or tag them in the app.

For more insights about Doctrine and Covenants 109, see James R. Rasband, “The Plan of Mercy,” Liahona, May 2025, 64–68; James W. McConkie III, “Doctrine and Covenants 109: A Prophet’s Invitation” (Brigham Young University–Idaho devotional, June 4, 2024), byui.edu.