Taize Prayer Service
Second Friday of each month from September - April
7:00 - 7:45 PM

For many of us, life is filled with much noise. We are accustomed to much talking and little listening. This stiuation affects our devotional life. Silence, simply waiting upon the Divine, is not easy. Like all spiritual disciplines, it takes practice. We need stillness to listen to God.

What is Taize?

Taize is a unique form of prayer practiced at the Taize Community in France. Thousands of people from around the world flock to the hills of Taize in spiritual pilgrimage. Taize began in the 1940’s when Brother Roger created a community where simplicity and kind-heartedness would be lived out as a response to the gospels. Over the years, this form of prayer, including songs, silence, and scripture, developed.

You may find Taize prayer to be quite different than what you are used to. In our fast paced society, it takes some practiced discipline to open our hearts before God in a spirit of waiting. Many find that it takes attending two or three services before one can enter fully into the atmosphere of quiet holiness. However the candlelight atmosphere, to represent Christ as the light of the world and our lives, adds to the ease of meditation and movement from a busy week into a spirit of peace. If you treasure silence and beauty, you will appreciate Taize worship.

What is the Taize prayer service like?

The service lasts about 45 minutes. The songs that are sung are beautiful and simple. The unusual part of singing these songs is that they are sung not once, not twice, but many times. Spiritually, and experientially, you will find that these songs move from your head to your heart. From there they arise automatically and naturally, especially after you become familiar with a particular song. A blessed “side effect” of participating in Taize prayer is that you may very well find the words and melodies of the songs coming to mind through the week.

As we begin each song, the piano will play through it once, the cantor will sing through the song, and then all the people will join in. Since Taize is an international community, many Taize songs are written in other languages. The singing of the cantor will alert you to the language in which we will sing together. Should you see “canon” next to a song title, know that after the first couple times through, you may want to help turn the piece into a “round” by beginning to sing at one of the points in the song where you see circled letters. Allow yourself to sink deeply into the experience of the presence of God. Do not worry how often we will sing a particular song. The distinct slowing of the piano on the last phrase of a song will signal its end.

Why do people find this service meaningful?

“I like the way this time connects me with God in a pure way. There is no dogma, only song, silence and scripture.”

“At first I thought, Friday night? But I’ve found this a great transition from a busy work week to the weekend.”

“I’m not active in a church, and I have some serious health issues. I appreciate a place to quietly sit in the presence of God.”

“The acoustics in this room are incredible. The music of this service is so inspiring.”

You are invited to join us the second Friday of each month from September to May at 7:00 PM.

See the Taize web site at www.taize.fr for more information.