Each daily sitting in the House of Commons begins
with prayers, read aloud, usually by the Speaker's
Chaplain. It is a tradition dating back to the 16th century.
MPs may reserve a seat in the Commons Chamber for prayers.
Members of the public are not allowed into the public galleries to
witness prayers being said.
The form of the main prayer is as follows:
"Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our Queen
and her government, to Members of Parliament and all in positions
of responsibility, the guidance of your Spirit. May they never lead
the nation wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or
unworthy ideals but laying aside all private interests and
prejudices keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the
condition of all mankind; so may your kingdom come and your name be
hallowed. Amen."