Join us for Taizé Prayer, Thursday, March 14

Taizé prayer is simple, communal, meditative sung prayer. As we gather to celebrate liturgy each weekend during lent, we sing a simple mantra to center our minds and hearts on the presence of Christ. Communally, we sing uncomplicated, repetitive songs, uncluttered by too many words. A few words sung over and over again, enhances the meditative quality of prayer, allowing an encounter with the mystery of God through the beauty of simplicity. This sung centering prayer comes from the Taizé community in the Burgandy area of France. The Taizé community is an ecumenical Christian monastic fraternity of brothers from many countries and Christian faith traditions. Many, especially young people, make a pilgrimage to Taizé to retreat or serve. It is a place of simplicity, beauty, and unity.

In 2000, the brothers made their own pilgrimage to the United States to pray and teach Taizé prayer here in Minneapolis. From the brothers who composed the music we sing and created the inclusive prayer form that universally invites and draws everyone into Christ’s presence. Throughout the service scriptural and spiritual readings will be proclaimed followed by instrumental music and time to reflect. There is no better time than the season of lent to turn our hearts to God, seek mercy, fullness, freedom from fear and lasting peace. During the service, if you desire, you may go to one of four priests to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Come, be still, quiet yourself and enter into the Christ’s presence that dwells within and among us.