Understanding The LDS Temple Prayer Roll: How To Submit Names In 2026

The temple prayer roll of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints represents a sacred intersection of communal faith, devotion, and divine petition. For generations, Latter-day Saints have placed the names of sick, afflicted, or struggling loved ones on these rolls, trusting in the united prayers offered around temple altars worldwide.

Understanding how the prayer roll functions, its doctrinal foundations, and the modern digital and physical methods of submitting names is essential for anyone seeking to participate in this sacred practice.

The Sacred Purpose of the Temple Prayer Roll in Latter-day Saint Worship

The temple prayer roll is a physical and digital compilation of names representing individuals who stand in need of special faith, prayers, and divine intervention. These names are placed upon the altar during the temple endowment ceremony, specifically within the prayer circle—a sacred ordinance where patrons unite in solemn prayer.

The doctrinal foundation of the prayer roll is rooted in the biblical and Book of Mormon injunctions to pray continuously for those in distress. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma records that the ancient saints did "assemble themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God" (Alma 6:6). Similarly, the Apostle James admonished early Christians to "pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:16).

In Latter-day Saint theology, the temple is the most sacred place of worship on earth. Offering prayers within its walls, adjacent to the altar of covenant, amplifies the collective faith of the saints. The prayer roll is not a magical list; rather, it is an expression of united faith, pleading that God's will be done and that those listed may receive comfort, healing, strength, and peace.

How to Submit Names to the LDS Temple Prayer Roll

Members and friends of the Church can submit names to the temple prayer roll through three primary channels. In 2026, these systems are more integrated than ever, allowing individuals globally to request prayers for their loved ones within minutes.

1. The Official Church Website (Temple Portal)

The most common digital method is using the official Church website. This portal is designed for desktop and mobile browser access.

• Navigate to the official temple portal on the Church's website.
• Sign in using your Church Account credentials. While some public entry points exist, logging in ensures secure, authenticated submissions.
• Select the specific temple where you want the names to be sent. If you do not select a specific temple, the system automatically routes the names to your local temple district or distributes them to temples with lower submission volumes to balance the load.
• Enter the first and last name of the individual. You do not need to provide their medical condition or personal circumstances.
• Click submit. The name is instantly added to the digital queue for that temple.

2. The Member Tools Mobile Application

For members on the go, the Member Tools app provides a direct, streamlined interface for submitting names.

• Open the Member Tools application on your smartphone or tablet (ensure you are running the latest 2026 update).
• Navigate to the Temples section from the main menu.
• Tap on Temple Prayer Roll.
• Select Submit Names.
• Input the names of those in need of prayers. The app allows you to quickly input multiple family members if needed.
• Confirm the submission. The application syncs with the global temple database immediately.

3. Physical Submission at the Temple

For those attending the temple in person, the traditional physical method remains a deeply personal option.

• Upon entering the temple recommend desk or the entry foyer, locate the designated prayer roll desk.
• Small slips of paper and pencils are provided.
• Write the first and last name of the individual clearly on the slip.
• Place the slip into the secure prayer roll box.
• Temple workers collect these slips periodically throughout the day, compile them, and place them in clean, dedicated pouches or boxes that are brought to the altars in the ordinance rooms.

Comparing Submission Methods for the Temple Prayer Roll

To help determine which method fits your current situation, the table below outlines the operational differences between each submission avenue in 2026.

Essential Guidelines, Privacy, and Duration Rules

To maintain the sanctity of temple ordinances and respect the privacy of individuals, the Church enforces specific guidelines regarding the prayer roll.

The 14-Day Active Duration Rule

Names submitted to the temple prayer roll do not remain there indefinitely. To ensure the rolls remain manageable and focus on acute, timely needs, all names are automatically removed after two weeks (14 days). If an individual's trial, illness, or affliction persists beyond this timeframe, you are welcome to submit their name again.

Privacy and Ethical Considerations

Placing someone's name on a prayer roll is an act of love, but it must be tempered with respect for privacy.

Consent and Respect When possible, always obtain the consent of the individual before placing their name on the prayer roll. Some individuals prefer to keep their personal struggles private. If you cannot ask them directly—such as in cases of sudden medical emergencies or unconsciousness—ensure that your submission is made with pure intent and that you do not broadcast their personal details to others outside of this sacred channel.

Furthermore, only first and last names should be entered. Avoid adding descriptive phrases like "John Doe (cancer patient)" or "Jane Smith (going through divorce)." The Lord knows the specific trials of the individuals; the simple identification of their name is sufficient for the united prayers at the altar.

The Power of Collective Faith: Why the Temple Altar Matters

The practice of placing names on the altar is deeply symbolic. In ancient Israelite worship, the altar was the place of sacrifice, covenants, and closeness to God. In modern temples, the altar remains the focal point of covenant-making, sealing families, and offering solemn prayers.

When temple patrons surround the altar, they represent a diverse body of saints acting in complete unity. They lay aside their worldly concerns, clothe themselves in sacred temple vestments, and focus their minds entirely on the petitions being offered. The names contained within the prayer roll box on the altar are symbolically brought directly into the presence of the Lord.

This collective exercise of faith creates a powerful spiritual conduit. Countless Latter-day Saints have shared testimonies of experiencing sudden waves of peace, physical relief, or unexpected comfort at the exact moments their names were active on the temple prayer rolls. This is not attributed to superstition, but to the promise that where two or three are gathered in the Lord's name, His Spirit is present in extraordinary measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-members be placed on the temple prayer roll?

Yes, anyone of any faith, background, or belief system can have their name placed on the temple prayer roll. The blessings of comfort, healing, and divine strength are universal, and the Church welcomes the opportunity to pray for anyone in need.

How long do names remain on the LDS temple prayer roll?

Names remain on the active prayer roll for exactly 14 days from the date of submission. After this period, they are automatically cleared from the digital database or physical slips are reverently discarded to make room for new requests. You may resubmit names if the need continues.

Is there a limit to how many names I can submit?

While there is no strict system block preventing you from entering multiple names, members are encouraged to use spiritual discretion. Focus on individuals with immediate, acute needs rather than submitting long list templates of entire congregations or extended family trees, which can dilute the focus of the sacred petition.

Can I submit names to multiple temples at once?

Yes, using the digital portal or the Member Tools app, you can select specific temples to receive your submission. However, submitting a name to dozens of temples simultaneously is unnecessary. The unified faith of the saints in a single temple is fully sufficient, as God hears all sincere prayers regardless of geographic duplication.

Do temple workers read every name aloud during the prayer?

No, the names are not read aloud individually during the endowment sessions. Due to the thousands of names submitted daily, doing so would be logistically impossible. Instead, the physical slips or digital lists are housed within a sacred pouch or box on the altar, and the brother leading the prayer petitions Heavenly Father to bless all those whose names are placed upon the altar.

Utilizing This Sacred Resource

Participating in the temple prayer roll—whether by submitting the name of a struggling friend or by joining in the prayer circle during your own temple attendance—is a profound way to live the covenant of mourning with those that mourn and comforting those in need of comfort.

If you have a loved one facing a difficult trial, physical illness, or spiritual crossroads, consider utilizing the official Church website or the Member Tools app to place their name on the temple prayer roll today. By doing so, you enlist the faith of thousands of saints worldwide who will plead for their peace and well-being.