Prie-dieu

Prie-dieu: In French, prie dieu means pray(er) to God. Evidently, the phrase has been used for various prayer accoutrement, such as special desks used exclusively for praying or small rooms designed for the same purpose. Today, it most likely refers to the padded kneelers provided in many churches where the faithful kneel during prayer, but prefer not to kneel so low or on something so hard as the floor.

Leaping off the prie-dieu, he ran down the aisle, path the uniformed guards and out onto Braodway.