Forty-eight members of the local authority, which is controlled by Reform UK, voted to open meetings with a prayer, while 46 were also in favour of closing them with the national anthem.
Some councillors opposed to starting meetings in prayer had proposed an amendment for a silent moment of reflection, to reflect the area’s multi-faith culture. But Council Leader Linden Kemkaran said she wanted the Lord's Prayer to "take up the space" of that silence because the prayer is a "profound unifier".
Green councillor Rob Yates is reported to have described the changes as “a ridiculous farce”, saying he was “not paid by taxpayers to sing songs and pray”.
The move has also been criticised by the National Secular Society, which described it as "a regressive and divisive move which sends entirely the wrong message to the people of Kent".
Prayers, which haven’t been said at Kent County Council meetings since 1987, were put forward by Reform UK councillor Christopher Hespe. He said he found it "astonishing" to see "hostility" towards the Lord's Prayer, claiming it was "about heritage" and "our roots".
The prayers will be introduced at the next council meeting on 16th July.
Derbyshire County Council also introduced prayers at the start of meetings last year after coming under the control of Reform UK.
Many councils have stopped holding prayers before meetings, including St Albans City and District Council. It voted last year to end prayers because it said they may "exclude or alienate individuals of different faiths or those without religious beliefs".