Thursday’s National Prayer Breakfast brought religion directly into Washington — but in reality, it's been here all along.

Though pundits sometimes liken the city to a modern-day Gomorrah, in reality, it’s one of the most religious cities in the United States.

The district is home to a number of major churches, synagogues and mosques, not to mention smaller prayer breakfasts, weekly Bible studies and interfaith meetings.

In fact, a 2000 study found the district tied with North Dakotafor the highest ratio of religious residents, at 73.2 percent. Only Utah had a higher ratio.

Members of Congress fit right into this highly religious atmosphere, holding weekly services, both formal and informal, and often attending local houses of worship, in addition to the ones in their hometowns.

"There is a lot of religion on the Hill," said Karen Bronson, who works in the House chaplain's office.

Both the House and the Senate have elected chaplains who lead prayers at the beginning of session, organize Bible studies, assist in prayer groups and officiate at weddings and funerals.

The House chaplain also helps organize Rosary prayers, weekly Torah studies and Muslim Jummah prayer services.

Since 1955, a small room off the Capitol rotunda has served as the Congressional Prayer Room. It features a stained glass window of George Washington praying while reading Psalm 16, which reads "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust."

Among specific affiliations, 168 Members of the 111th Congress have said they are Roman Catholic, trailed by 62 who have said they are Baptist, according to Congressional Quarterly’s annual assessments.

And large numbers of members have said they are Protestant – 62 have said they are Baptist and 24 have said they are Lutheran, for example. Among other denominations, 44 said they are Jewish, 14 Mormon and two Buddhist.

Only one Member of Congress in recent memory has openly said that he is an atheist, Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.), though he now lists himself as Unitarian, according to CQ.

Because they often travel back to their home states on weekends, Members of Congress do not always have a house of worship near the nation's capital.

Those who do have their choice of some impressive structures.

The Washington National Cathedral, an Episcopal structure seen for miles around Washington, offers guided tours and exhibits. Across town, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Catholic church in the United States.

Congress even essentially started its own synagogue, incorporating the Washington Hebrew Congregation by act of Congress in 1856.

Closer to work, St. Peter's on Capitol Hill and St. Joseph's on Capitol Hill are often called the House and Senate Catholic churches, respectively, because of their locations on either side of the Capitol.

Many Members also study religion during the week.

The Senate holds a formal prayer breakfast every Wednesday; the House, holds one every Thursday. There are also a number of Bible studies and at least one Torah study with varying levels of formality.

"I know of a Bible study with chiefs of staff on the House side that has been meeting for at least 15 years," said Bronson.

Lisa Wink Schultz, director of communications for the Senate chaplain, said she’s aware of five small Bible studies on the Senate side and a Jewish weekly study group. Most of these events are closed to only staff or members themselves, giving privacy on the Hill.

Stacey Skotzko writes for Congressional Quarterly.