A P i l g r i m a g e o f P r a y e r
The
T a i z e S e r v i c e
T a i z e
is the name of a small French village where a
simple prayer community offering hospitality,
refuge and reconciliation in response to the
hostilities of the World War II.
The gentle, meditative and intimate nature of the
Taize service, with its focus on the chanting of
song and prayer, has come to be appreciated by
people all over Europe and the rest of the world
in a variety of languages.
The Taize service is a wonderful break from
tradition that can be experienced in a deep,
meaningful way by persons from all walks of life
and all age groups.
T h e T a i z e S e r v i c e
is centered around song and prayers that are
repetitive in nature. Although the songs can be
very beautiful and emotionally stirring, the goal
of song in the Taize service is to allow us to
experience prayer and interaction with God on a
level deeper than just our surface emotions - a
soul stirring that allow us to express our deepest
joys and sorrows, fears and delights to our God.
G o d
does not ever stop trying to communicate with us.
But he also does not impose his will on us.
Often, then, God’s voice comes to us in whispers
only heard in silence and meditation. And so
along with chants of song and prayer, the element
of silence also becomes an important aspect of
the Taize service. The silence is meant not to be
uncomfortable but to allow each individual pilgrim
to hear God’s personal and gentle promptings as
we worship together.
A P i l g r i m a g e o f P r a y e r
Like a deer
that yearns for a cooling stream
So my soul
is athirst for You my God
(cantor)
Alleluia
(All)
Alleluia… Alleluia… Alleluia…
My soul Is thirsting For God
For the living God
When shall I come and behold
The face of God?
(cantor)
Alleluia
(All)
Alleluia… Alleluia… Alleluia…
Tears are my only food
by night and day
Always I hear them say:
Where is your God?
(cantor)
Alleluia
(All)
Alleluia… Alleluia… Alleluia…
Once
I set with the throng
To the house of our God
With shouts of rejoicing
And praise
on the lips of the crowd
(cantor)
Alleluia
(All)
Alleluia… Alleluia… Alleluia…
What weighs you down,
my soul?
Why faint in my breast?
Hope in God:
I will praise Him still,
My savior,
My God.
(cantor)
Alleluia
(All)
Alleluia… Alleluia… Alleluia…