Prayers - text

The following prayer is said at the beginning of each sitting of the House of Commons.

It is usually read by the Speaker's Chaplain.

Members of the public are not allowed to witness the prayer being read out.

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.

In the House of Lords, a prayer is also read each day before business starts - whether the upper chamber is fulfilling its public or judicial role.

Several different wordings (including the standard Lord's Prayer) can be read on any given day by one of the Lords Spiritual.