Taize prayer

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Taizé Prayer is a simple, meditative form of worship, calling us to dwell deeply on Christ's presence around and within us. Mantra songs (like "Jesus, Remember Me"), prayerful silence, and short readings guide the focus of the prayer in a quiet environment.  Taizé Prayer is named for the ecumenical Christian community formed in Taizé, France  during World War II.

Join us in-person in the church sanctuary or livestream on our youtube channel 6:35-7:00pm, or pray this Taizé on your own when your schedule permits.

Praying with Taizé with your family or by yourself.
Praying with Taizé music in community is also a simple and fruitful practice, but it takes a little more effort to prepare and organize. Some things to keep in mind as you set up Taizé prayer in common:

  • Prepare the space
    The prayer space is important for any form of prayer. If you do not have a dedicated prayer space, consider creating one with a crucifix, an open Bible, some candles, icons, flowers or other objects that will help to set the place apart from its normal use.

  • Curate the music
    Taizé music is best prayed live, however, that isn’t always possible! Play soft, repetitive music (here’s a good option, or on Spotify search for Taize playlists for several options) You want the sound to fill the space without overwhelming it. Fumbling with technology will quickly break the contemplative spirit of the prayer.

  • Allow for silence
    Whether you have live or recorded music, make sure to leave space for silence. Silence is essential to all prayer forms, but it is especially important when praying with music. People will need silence to speak their own words to God and to listen for God in return

    Use the reading below, similarly to Lectio Divina, reading slowly and allowing silence after.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan   (Luke 10:25-37, NRSV)

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”  And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” 

· Who is my neighbor?

· When have I been the priest? The Levite? The Samaritan?