ABSTRACT
The first business of the House of Lords each day is a short session of prayers. These are conducted in slightly more traditional language than down the corridor in the House of Commons, and include the reading of a psalm. Prayers are well attended but are held in private: the public are not admitted until an announcement is made in the lobby that 'prayers are over'. Richard Harries has served as one of the Lords Spiritual since 1993, playing a full part in the normal business of the House with his colleagues. He has held two particular roles which have made his service to the Lords exceptional. At a time when reform of the House of Lords has been almost continuously on the political agenda, it is surprising how little attention has been paid in the debates to the presence of the twenty-six bishops.
