The story of Jesus

Singing and Praying 

Taizé liturgy is developed only for prayer. Prayer is the most powerful tool that Taizé intentionally chooses. Praying is itself a ministry. Taizé liturgy was developed through Br Roger’s personal prayer life. So, his personal spiritual practice caused this worship renewal. As a son of a pastor of the Swiss Reformed tradition, Br Roger believed Christianity needed a greater reformation especially for the younger generation. So, early Taizé reformed Christian worship from the Reformed Tradition. Taizé still maintains a strong emphasis on Scripture, but got rid of the pulpit, preaching, and offering. Liturgically they got rid of everything except singing, praying and reading the Bible. The usage of silence and candles and their distinctive seating arrangement were implemented.

Taizé prayer has grown liturgically answering this question, “How could we pray together?” while evangelical worship tries to answer “how can I be saved?” After several innovative steps they developed a liturgy for their ecumenical spirituality. Taizé spirituality and liturgy also emphasizes reconciliation, goodness, love, simplicity, silent prayer, and ritual symbols.

“How could we pray together?” Answering this question, a local congregation can develop a prayer service based on their locality and spirituality. At a local church the issue is not so much about how to pray together with Catholics, but to pray together with multicultural people. Seeking ecumenism in the USA should also include all those who are evangelicals, conservatives and liberals. While new denominational or non-denominational churches increase it will be a spiritual quest to ask “how could we all pray together?” Struggling with this question may lead us to discover what Christianity really is about: ‘love God and love people.’ Struggling with this question may lead us to find an ecumenical worship form. We may discover or find practical ways to pray together.

Taizé’s liturgy can help us to pray together। Songs from Taizé shares their insight on how to set up a prayer-space: making the prayer-space harmonious, with a cross, an icon, an open bible, candles, or flowers. Taizé advises placing a carpet for those who wish to kneel, or sit on the ground; and chairs and benches for those who prefer. Songs from Taizé suggested that the lighting should be subdued, not glaring; and it is preferable for all the participants to face the same direction.

Singing is one of the most essential elements of Taizé prayer. The songs, using just a few words, express the basic reality of faith. As Taizé liturgy sings each song many times, God’s reality gradually penetrates the whole being. Since each song is simple, it enables us to continue praying and focusing on God, even after we leave the worship space and resume our daily lives.

Taizé songs do not use many words. Taizé sings a few words in repetition for contemplative prayer. Taizé also makes sure that the portion of Scripture reading is easy to understand. They use words carefully. The repetition of the songs preaches and invites people to pray, meditate and contemplate. Following are words of some Taizé songs:

• It is good to trust and hope in the Lord.
• The Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom.
• In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful. In the Lord I will rejoice. Look to God. Do not be afraid. Life up your voices the Lord is near, lift up your voices the Lord is near.
• Our eyes are turned to the Lord Jesus Christ – our eyes are turned to the Lord God, our Savior. (Oculi nostril)
• Our darkness is never darkness in your sight: the deepest night is clear as the daylight.
• Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.
• O we adore you, Lord Jesus Christ.
• Holy Spirit, come to us. Kindle in us the fire of your love. Holy Spirit come to us, Holy Spirit, come to us.
• Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us. Let not my doubts and my darkness speak to me, Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us, let my heart always welcome your love. (Jésus le Christ)
• When the night becomes dark, your love, O Lord, is a fire, your love, O Lord, is a fire.
• Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.