Creative Worship: Taizé

Taizé is a small village in eastern France where young adults from all over the world have gathered together since the early 1950s. They come to pray, to worship, and to seek the meaning of life in communion with Christ and sisters and brothers of many races and cultures. The founder and mentor of this ecumenical community is Brother Roger, a "bearer of trust, reconciliation, and peace." Today there are almost one hundred brothers in the Taizé community from over twenty different countries. They share their material goods, talents, and faith together in a celibate life, and lead Bible study groups, prayer services, and worship for the thousands of young adults who make a pilgrimage to their community. Common prayer is at the center of their life together, whether they are at Taizé or travel to share the life of the poor in India, Africa, or Central America.

Taizé worship takes place three times a day and includes meditative and sung prayer, Scripture reading, and silence. The singing, often in four-part harmony or in a round, is offered in many languages. Sometimes instruments play an obligato part as voices sing a short, chantlike number. Solo verses might be added by one of the brothers or a child who serves as cantor. The simple yet magnificent music that is repeated over and over again continues on in the heart long after worship has ended. The Worship Environment To create a Taizé worship environment, the sanctuary needs to be dark. On window sills and the worship table/altar, place many small votive or tea candles at different heights, on differing sizes and shapes of wood or bricks. At several positions in the room place icons, pictures of Christ, and a cross. Worshipers sit in rows facing the chancel area, for, as Brother Roger says, the focus is to be on Christ, not each other. People may sit in pews or on cushions on the floor. Scripture readers, cantors, and leaders of intercessory prayer (representing the brothers and sisters in the Taizé community) are seated on chairs or cushions in rows in the middle aisle, with the other worshipers on either side. A choir and instrumentalists may sit together near the front of the congregation to begin the songs. No one sits in the chancel area. Worship leadership rises from the congregation, with the "brothers" (and "sisters") who sit in the middle aisle providing direction. A Worship Service in the Style of Taizé Opening Songs. All the music used in this service is found in Hymnal: A Worship Book, published in 1992 by Brethren Press (Elgin, Ill.); Faith and Life Press (Newton, Kans.); and Mennonite Publishing House (Scottsdale, Pa.). Solo and instrumental parts are found in the Accompaniment Book to Hymnal: A Worship Book, published in 1993. Page numbers of the music are included in the order of worship. Several other recently published denominational hymnals contain Taizé music. Gloria, No. 204 Veni sancte spiritus, No. 298 Reading of Psalm 63. The congregation sings the "Alleluia," and one or two persons read the verses of the psalm. Alleluia, No. 101. In the Taizé service, songs are sung several times, possibly even for several minutes, for it is prayer itself. Worshipers sing their prayers in a meditative, and thus repetitious way. "Alleluia" is sung before the reading of the psalm and between verses as noted. "Kyrie eleison" is sung before the prayers of petition and intercession begin and after each prayer. The prayers are spoken by one of the "leaders." Other prayers that express the needs of the congregation may be written or spoken spontaneously by the worshipers. It is very effective to have prayers spoken in languages other than English.

O God, you are my God, I seek you

my soul thirsts for you; My flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Alleluia So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory, Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call upon your name. Alleluia My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; Alleluia

Gospel Reading: John 4:1–15

Song: Ubi caritas et amor, No. 452 Epistle Reading: Philippians 4:4–7 Song: Nada te turbe, No. 562 Silence. The time of silence should be five to ten minutes long. If silence is new to the congregation, a statement might be said after "Nada te turbe" such as: "We will continue in prayer with a few moments of silence." Prayers of Petition and Intercession. The congregation sings Kyrie eleison ("Lord, have mercy") before the prayers begin, and after each prayer. Kyrie eleison, No. 152

Kyrie eleison

O Christ, you suffered for our sakes; make us willing to suffer for others. Kyrie eleison Jesus, son of God, you gave water to the thirsty, and to the hungry you gave food; may we give sustenance to those who cry for help. Kyrie eleison O Christ, when our hearts are troubled, give to us your peace. Kyrie eleison Christ of compassion, remember those who are victims of violence and injustice. Kyrie eleison Loving God, you break down the walls of separation between people and nations. Reconcile us as families, friends, countries. Kyrie eleison Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on your people and renew your church.

(other prayers from the congregation)

The Lord's Prayer/Concluding Prayer. The concluding prayer included in this service is one of many by Brother Roger. The Taizé service usually ends with one of his prayers. This prayer and others by Brother Roger are found in Songs and Prayers from Taizé (London: Geoffrey Chapman/Mowbray, 1991). This book is an excellent resource for Taizé services, including songs, prayers, and Scripture readings. There are other books and videos on the Taizé community and its worship available at local and religious bookstores.

O Christ,

you take upon yourself all our burdens so that freed of all that weighs us down, we can constantly begin anew to walk with lightened step, from worry towards trusting, from the shadows towards the clear flowing water, from our own will towards the vision of the coming Kingdom. And, then we know, though we had hardly dared hope it, that you offer to make every human being a reflection of your face. Amen. (Prayer by Brother Roger, from Songs and Prayers from Taizé, 33) Song: Jubilate Deo omnis terra, No. 103. At the end of each Taizé service, one or more songs are sung over and over again as each person prays privately, and, when ready, moves out into the world. "Jubilate Deo omnis terra" is sung in at least a two-part canon, often accompanied by several different instruments taking turns playing an obligato part, and then joining together in a restatement of the joyful melody. People often continue singing as they move out from the sanctuary, so that the "sung prayer" lives on in their hearts. Prayers around the Cross and the resurrection of Christ are celebrated each week on Friday and Saturday evenings in the Taizé community. Descriptions of these celebrations with appropriate music are found in Songs and Prayers from Taizé.