Congressional Prayer Room

The Architect shall maintain the Prayer Room for individual use rather than assemblies and he shall provide appropriate symbols of religious unity and freedom of worship.

[1] The designers of the Prayer Room felt that the image of Washington was particularly appropriate, given his words from his first inaugural address: "...it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge.

"[2]In addition to an open Bible, the simple furnishings include two prayer benches, six chairs, two candles, plants, and an American flag.

[1] The Congressional brochure notes the importance of both the symbolism and the color schemes employed in the Prayer Room: "On the altar, two vases constantly filled with fresh flowers tell of the beauty of God's world.

When illumined by the indirect lights of the shielded wall brackets, the room is a soft color harmony of blue and gold.

Neither large enough for nor designed for a religious assembly, it is adequate for its avowed purpose --- a shrine at which the individual may renew his faith in his God and his loyalty to his country.

"[3] The inclusion of a prayer before the opening of each session of both the House and the Senate traces its origins back to the days of the Continental Congress.

The first prayer at that congress was delivered by Jacob Duché, who eventually betrayed the cause of American independence and maligned the Continental army in a letter to George Washington.

I therefore beg leave to move— that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service.

According to the Library of Congress exhibit "Religion and the Founding of the American Republic" "It is no exaggeration to say that on Sundays in Washington during the administrations of Thomas Jefferson (1801–1809) and of James Madison (1809–1817) the state became a church.