There is not a heart in this assembly, dear God,
     that has not been wounded by the weight of this sad hour
     in the life of your church.
Our minds deadened by shock, our lips unable to speak,
     and our ears unable to absorb what they have heard,
     we now humbly seek thy consoling grace.

We pray for our brother Grant whose gifts of leadership,
     prophetic discernment, and eloquence have blessed your people
     in ways that cannot be measured.
As he has given himself to voice your Word,
     may our prayers--spoken and silent--serve to wing words
     of healing for him and his family in this time of great need.

The path before us will not be easy, O God.
It has never been so.
The church has journeyed to Gethsemane before
     and found in the darkest of nights your bright light
     of hope and restoration.
Through sunshine and shadow it has faithfully and consistently
     borne witness of your sustaining grace.
We can do no other.
For you have blessed us so abundantly.

We are mindful that the church’s measure is not determined
     by any one leader or personality.
Its mission and purpose is not centered in polity or programs
     but in its fidelity to the One we worship.
Bless us, dear God, with unswerving assurance and great hope
     as we navigate the challenging terrain before us.

We hold up to you our brothers Ken and Peter.
Bless them with an outpouring of strength and wisdom
     as they guide the church toward your future.
We know they have labored long and hard and at great personal cost
     during the waking hours of this time of transition.
May they receive a special blessing of peace and assurance.
May it wash over them and refresh them.
May they experience the startling joy of your Presence
     rising within them, dispelling weariness and concern.

Bless the Council of Twelve Apostles
     as they assume added responsibilities of leadership and discernment.
Bless their president and grant unto him release
     from the emotional burdens he has carried during this time of change.
Be with the Presiding Bishopric
     whose spiritual ministries far exceed financial stewardship.
Bless them in their prophetic leadership of the Aaronic Order,
     who are called, for such a time as this,
     to bring ministries of healing and reconciliation.

In the days and months to follow we will give ourselves fully
     to the direction of your Spirit.
Enliven us to your prophetic call for the one who shall be chosen
     to lead your church as prophet-president.
May we proceed to discern your will in this matter in a loving manner.
May we do so unburdened by pressures of circumstance,
     knowing that your prophetic Spirit still guides the church
     through the ministry of our brothers in the First Presidency.
And may your chosen servant be blessed with a growing awareness
     of your call freed from fear and filled with faith.

Gracious God, bless this assembly.
Bless all who have given themselves to church service,
     many through personal sacrifice.
Sweep from their souls undue concern.
Sustain them with your promise of bright days
     filled with praise and joy as they see your power
     moving in our midst.
We thank you, O God, for the gift of hope and assurance
     made manifest in this very hour.
These blessings I pronounce
     upon your people in the name of Christ Jesus.
                                                                    Amen.

Official Statement from The First Presidency
Resolution of the Council of Twelve Apostles
Letter of Resignation
Prayer of Blessing from the Presiding Evangelist
Questions and Answers