Taize Prayer Service

Read the All Saints Taize Article Here

A Taizé prayer service incorporates meditative readings from Scripture, prayers of praise, intercession and the frequent repetition of simple, contemporary chants based on the Psalms or other parts of Scripture.

The mystical-sounding chants of Taizé are indeed a “music of participation.” The chants are brief texts that one sings repeatedly, using repetition as a mechanism for the words to enter one’s very being. It becomes the unending song that continues in one's mind long after one has stopped singing. Various other instrumental or vocal parts may embellish the basic melody or sound. Taizé sang prayer as a holy hour, a marvelous way to experience a peaceful emersion in song and silence, where one can encounter Christ. Often amidst subdued lighting, the worshippers gather. Using Taizé chants throughout, the entire assembly sings practically everything. The song of the worshippers continues gently out across the assembly as waves across water.
 
During the sung prayer, there is a period of silent reflection to absorb the meaning of what has been sung, read, and seen. Icons are often present to help one visualize. Icons bring to one’s eyes what words bring to one’s hearing.
 
The Catholic Church's National Association of Pastoral Musicians, at its 2006 Eastern Regional Convention, presented the Jubilate Deo Award to Jacques Berthier (posthumously) and the Brothers of Taizé for their “passionate commitment to a life of simplicity, prayer and song.” Brother Alois, a Catholic brother of German origin, received the award. Brother Alois succeeded Brother Roger as the spiritual leader of the Taizé community.
 
Taizé prayer is offered on specific dates at All Saints Catholic Church.