Prayer of Dedication, 27 March 1836, as Recorded in Kimball, Journal and Record [D&C 109]
Source Note
Prayer of Dedication, , Geauga Co., OH, 27 Mar. 1836. Version copied [between 1842 and 1856] in Kimball, “Journal and Record,” pp. 25–30; unidentified handwriting; Heber C. Kimball papers collection, CHL.
Have mercy, O Lord upon all the nations of the earth: have mercy upon the rulers of our land: may those principles which were so honourably and nobly defended: viz, the constitution of our land, by our fathers be established forever. Remember the kings, the princes, the nobles, and the great ones of the earth, and all people; and the churches; all the poor, the needy and the afflicted ones of the earth, that their hearts may be softened when thy servants ◊ shall go out from thy house O Jehovah to bear testimony of thy name, that their prejudices may give way before the truth, and thy people may obtain favour in the sight of all, that all the ends of the earth may know, that we thy servants have heard thy voice, and that thou hast sent us, that from among all these thy servants, the sons of Jacob, may gather out the righteous to build a holy city to thy name, as thou hast commanded them.
We ask thee to appoint unto , other besides this one, which thou hast appointed, that the gathering of thy people may roll on in great power and majesty. That thy work may be cut short in righteousness.
Now these O Lord we have spoken before thee concerning the revelations and which thou hast given unto us who are identified with the ;— But thou knowest that we have a great love for the children of Jacob who have been scattered upon the mountains for a long time in a cloudy and dark day.
We therefore ask thee to have mercy upon the children of Jacob, that Jerusalem from this hour may begin to be redeemed; and the yoke of bondage may begin to be broken off from the house of David, and the children of Judah may begin to return to the lands which thou didst give to Abraham their father; and cause that the remnants of Jacob, who have been cursed and smitten because of their transgression, to be converted from their wild and savage condition, to the fulness of the everlasting gospel, that they may lay down their weapons of bloodshed, and cease their rebellions. And may all the scattered remnants of Israel who have been driven to the ends of the earth, come to a knowledge of the truth, believe in the Messiah, and be redeemed from oppression and rejoice before thee.
O Lord remember thy servant Joseph Smith junr and all his afflictions and persecutions, how he has covenanted with Jehovah and vowed to thee O mighty God of Jacob, and the commandments which thou hast given unto him, and that he hath sincerely strove to do thy will.— Have mercy O Lord [p. 29]