The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Interfaith Staff Prayer Room

The Interfaith Staff Prayer Room opened in June 2024 as a dedicated space for congressional staff and interns of all faiths to pray, meditate or enjoy some quiet time.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 funded a “dedicated space that can be used as a congressional interfaith space for the prayer and meditation of House staff of all faiths… within the House Office buildings.”

The architects of Office of the Architect of the Capitol designed the room and their Carpentry Shop sourced, fabricated, assembled and installed the beautiful wood features of the room. With the assistance of the electrical and mechanical shops and the support of the Chief Administrator’s Office for upholstery and, furniture, this former meeting room has been re-imagined as a space for quiet reflection and prayer as well as for small group religious studies and gatherings.

The peaceful and welcoming space is open all day, every week day for individual prayer – no reservations are necessary. All are welcome to come in and pray. Staff may reserve the room in advance for small group prayer and study at select hours. If those times are not reserved, the room is open for general prayer.

Prayer room users will have access to a variety of prayer aids and should observe silence out of respect for others who may also be there to pray or meditate. The room is not open to tours or to visitors.

Knowing that life on Capitol Hill can be stressful and that a life of faith is very important to many staff, this is a welcome new resource.