A prayer given by an Imam has opened the first sitting of Parliament since the Christchurch mosque terror attack on Friday which claimed 50 lives.

Politicians stood in reverent silence as the prayer from Imam Nizam ul haq Thanvi rang around the House in Arabic this afternoon.

A prayer in English was then delivered by Tahir Nawaz.

Instead of the usual question time, politicians from both sides of the House will be united in giving tributes to those that lost their lives in the horrific attack.

Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard outlined what will happen in Parliament today and tomorrow in the wake of the attack.

"I've asked a group of religious leaders to come into Parliament with me as a sign of unity and togetherness. So, our prayer period today will be slightly extended.

"After prayers the Prime Minister will make a Ministerial Statement on the Christchurch terrorism act.

"It will be followed by the Leader of the Opposition, then the Rt Hon Winston Peters, one of the Green leaders, and David Seymour.