9 Dec 2014

God to remain in the House

2:27 pm on 9 December 2014

The prayer which starts each day in Parliament will not be changed, after a ruling by Speaker of the House David Carter.

David Carter.

David Carter. Photo: NATIONAL PARTY

Mr Carter had been seeking feedback from MPs on whether they would like to adopt a new prayer, which would remove references to Jesus Christ our Lord and to true religion.

The new prayer would have also had a verse in te reo Maori.

Mr Carter said most MPs had told him they wanted to keep the existing prayer, and he would respect that.

The prayer is:

Almighty God, humbly acknowledging our need for Thy guidance in all things, and laying aside all private and personal interests, we beseech Thee to grant that we may conduct the affairs this House and of our country to the glory of Thy holy name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, the honour of the Queen, and the public welfare, peace and tranquillity of New Zealand, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."

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