East Central Reporter

The Illinois Legislative Prayer Caucus (ILPC) is leading the way in an effort to reinstate a prayer room in the Illinois State Capitol. The ILPC, which is comprised of legislators and operates under the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation (CPCF), aims to connect legislators across the nation through prayer and action to protect religious liberties.

While a prayer room in the U.S. Capitol was established in just one year from 1954 to 1955, it took a 15-year endeavor to establish a nondenominational chapel, or prayer room, in the Illinois Capitol. The journey began in 1982 and concluded in November 1997 with the opening and dedication of the prayer room.

Unfortunately, during a renovation of the West Wing between 2009 and 2013, the prayer room in the Illinois Capitol was remodeled and transformed into a House committee room. Recognizing the importance of a dedicated space for prayer, Rep. Brad Halbrook, Chairman of the ILPC, has filed a Resolution (HR 495) to reinstate the prayer room during the ongoing renovations of the North Wing of the Capitol building.

Rep. Halbrook emphasizes the significance of prayer in the lives of the founding fathers, stating, "Prayer was a vital part of the founding fathers' lives as they sought the direction, protection & wisdom of God. Our great need of God's help today is no different than our forefathers' need when they created this nation. This is why it only makes sense to have a prayer chapel designated for our Illinois State Capitol."

Delbra Pratt, State Director of the Illinois Prayer Caucus Network, echoes the importance of prayer in American history. She asserts, "Prayer is important to people of faith who serve and work in our Capitol, as well as members of the public. President Lincoln has been quoted as having said, 'I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.' It remains so in our day that our own wisdom is insufficient for the issues we face. We, too, need the wisdom that comes from divine inspiration."

Citizens who support the reinstatement of a prayer room in the Illinois State Capitol building can add their names to a growing list by visiting the website of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation at https://cpcfoundation.com/keep-faith-in-illinois/.

With the efforts of Rep. Halbrook and the ILPC, there is hope that the prayer room will once again find its place in the Illinois State Capitol, providing a dedicated space for legislators and the public to seek guidance and wisdom through prayer.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://rephalbrook.com/2023/11/07/rep-halbrook-introduces-resolution-to-restore-capitol-prayer-room-during-renovations/