Dedicatory Prayer

Papeete Tahiti Temple, 27 October 1983

Thanks be to Thee, O God our Eternal Father, Thou mighty Elohim to whom we come in prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Beloved Son and our Redeemer.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude as we are assembled together in this sacred house on this day of dedication. We thank Thee, dear Father, for all who have gone before us to make this occasion possible. We look back with appreciation to the Prophet Joseph Smith to whom Thou didst reveal Thyself with Thy Son, and who became the instrument in Thy hands in the opening of this the dispensation of the fulness of times. It was to him that Thou didst reveal the need for and the purpose of such temples as we dedicate this day. While he was yet alive and while the Saints were yet in Nauvoo he was inspired to call the first missionaries to these beautiful Society Islands of the Pacific. From their dedicated labors in those early years there came a great harvest.

Since that time there have been seasons of prosperity and seasons when problems were many and the harvest was lean. But through all of these years Thy work has grown as with faith Thy servants have labored among the Tahitian people and found those who have been touched by Thy Spirit and who have come into the fold of the Church. There is now strength and maturity among the many Thousands of the saints of French Polynesia, for which we express gratitude unto Thee. As a capstone to all of this effort we now have this beautiful and sacred house to present unto Thee.

In the authority of the holy priesthood in us vested, and in the name of Thy Beloved Son Jesus Christ, we dedicate unto Thee and unto Him this the Papeete Tahiti Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We dedicate the ground on which it stands, and the building in all of its parts and facilities, as well as the ancillary structures related thereto. We dedicate it as the house of the Lord with holiness unto Thee, to be used by Thy worthy saints to assist in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of Thy sons and daughters.

Wilt Thou accept it, dear Father, as the gift of Thy thankful children. Wilt Thou and Thy Son feel free to visit it as seemeth Thee good, and may the presence of Thy Holy Spirit be felt here at all times by all who enter its sacred portals.

May it be holy to Thy people, a sanctuary of peace from the noise and the conflicts of the world, and a house in which they may labor for eternal blessings for themselves and for those who have passed beyond the veil of death.

We ask that Thou wilt preserve it as Thy house. May it be protected by Thy power from any who would defile it. May it stand against the winds and the rains that beat upon it. May it be beautiful to all who see it, and sacred to all who enter it. Bless those who shall preside here now and through the years to come, and bless all who shall serve in administering the ordinances of this Thy house.

We pray for those who govern these islands, that they may be guided by Thy Spirit to conduct the affairs of government in such a way that those who live here may rejoice in the privileges afforded them, and may the government and the people of these beautiful islands always be hospitable to Thine appointed servants. May Thy work flourish here, and become ever stronger. Smile upon Thy faithful saints and prosper them as they walk in righteousness before Thee.

Father, we pray for Thy work in all the earth. Bless Thy covenant people everywhere. We pray for those who serve as missionaries in Polynesia and throughout the world. Sustain them, inspire them, and lead them to those who prayerfully look for eternal truth. We pray for Thy people who walk in faith and obedience wherever they may be found. Reward their faith and prosper their labors.

Father, we unite our faith in behalf of Thy prophet, Spencer W. Kimball. He it was, as Thine ordained servant, who determined that this temple should be built. Extend his life and give him joy according to Thy great design. Thy people throughout the earth love him and pray for him.

Bless his associates of the General Authorities of the Church and inspire and direct them in all of their sacred undertakings. Magnify Thy servants who have place and responsibility in Thy work in Tahiti.

Bring to naught the evil designs of any who seek to embarrass them or plot injury to Thy Church and kingdom.

Now, as Thy sons and daughters, and as Thy saints in these latter days, we dedicate this Thy holy house and rededicate ourselves to Thy service and the accomplishment of Thy eternal purposes.

O God, accept our thanks and hear our prayer, we ask in the name of Thy Beloved Son, our Savior, the Great Messiah, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.