Liberal Democrat Christian Forum - Prayer Across the Parliaments

Prayer Across the Parliaments

Written by Christopher Franklin
Saturday, 29 December 2007
LDCF takes a look at the way in which prayers and times of reflection are incorporated into the official daily business of the Parliamentary bodies across the UK. Westminster – the UK Parliament Prayers are said at the beginning of each day’s sitting of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. They are said in private; in other words, ‘strangers’ (the Parliamentary term for visitors, and all non-Members) are not allowed into the public galleries until prayers are over. MPs stand for prayers, facing the walls behind the benches. This practice possibly stems from historical difficulties of kneeling whilst wearing a sword. In the Commons the Speaker's Chaplain usually reads the prayers. In the Lords, one of the senior Bishops will conduct them. The following prayer is said in the House of Commons: "Almighty God, by whom alone Kings reign and Princes decree justice, and from whom alone cometh all counsel, wisdom and understanding; we thine unworthy servants here gathered together in Thy Name do most humbly beseech Thee to send down Thy Heavenly Wisdom from above, to direct and guide us in all our consultations: And grant that, we having Thy fear always before our eyes, and laying aside all private interests, prejudices and partial affections, the result of all our counsels may be to the glory of Thy blessed Name, the maintenance of true Religion and Justice, the safety, honour and happiness of the Queen, the publick wealth, peace and tranquillity of the Realm, and the uniting and knitting together of the hearts of all persons and estates within the same, in true Christian Love and Charity one towards another, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour." www.parliament.uk Holyrood – the Scottish Parliament The first item of business in the Parliament every Wednesday is “Time for Reflection”. A speaker addresses the meeting for up to 4 minutes. Invitations to address the Parliament are issued by the Presiding Officer on advice from the Parliamentary Bureau, and the pattern of speakers aims to reflect the balance of beliefs in Scotland, Unlike Westminster’s prayers, Time for Reflection is held in public as part of the official business of Parliament, and is addressed both to Members and to the Scottish people. It is recorded in the Official Report and covered by the Parliament’s broadcasting system. The largest group of contributors are from the Church of Scotland, followed by the Roman Catholic Church. Smaller Christian denominations and representatives of other faiths and no faith also take their turn. In 2004 one session was led by the Dalai Lama. School pupils and teachers have also been given the opportunity to lead Time for Reflection. www.scottish.parliament.uk The Senedd – the Welsh Assembly The Welsh Assembly does not have any formal time for prayer or reflection built into the daily timetable. www.assemblywales.org Stormont – the Northern Ireland Assembly Before the start of business each day, two minutes of silent prayer or contemplation are held. This period is known as Prayers and, as with the Westminster Parliament, it takes place in private, away from the cameras, visitors and reporters. www.niassembly.gov.uk

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