PRAYERS
Each sitting of the House begins with Prayers. Members 
stand for Prayers, facing the wall behind them. This is 
said to be because it was originally difficult to kneel 
while wearing a sword. Prayers are read by the Speaker's 
chaplain, and the public are not allowed to be present.

Places at Prayers are booked in advance, using a small 
card which is attached to the back of the seat. This is the 
only way in which a member can claim a seat for the day's 
session: MPs who habitually occupy the same seats do so by 
making sure they are always present at Prayers.