The Prayer for the Consecration of the Church

Everliving Father, watchful and caring, our source and our end: All that we are and all that we have is yours. Hear us now, as we dedicate this place to which we come to praise your Name, to ask your forgiveness, to know your healing power, to hear your Word, and to be nourished by the Body and Blood of your Son. Be present always to guide and to judge, to illumine and to bless your people. Lord Jesus Christ, make this a temple of your presence and a house of prayer. Be always near us when we seek you in this place. Draw us to yourself to find comfort and wisdom, to be supported and strengthened, and to rejoice and give thanks. Grant, Lord Christ, that here we may be united with you and with one another, so that our lives may be sustained and sanctified for your service. Holy Spirit, open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts, that we may grow closer to you through joy and through suffering. Be with us in the fullness of your power as new members are added to God's household, as we grow in grace through the years, when we are joined in Holy Matrimony, when we turn to you in sickness or special need, and, at the last, when we are committed into the Father's hands.