I was at a Taize' Service this evening and wanted to share this little bit from it.
Breathe in me, Holy Spirit,
that I may think what is holy.
Move me, Holy Spirit,
that I may do what is holy.
Attract me, Holy Spirit,
that I may love what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit,
that I may guard what is holy.
Guard me, Holy Spirit,
that I may keep what is holy.
~ St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
Taize' worship is very distinct. Services are characterized by stillness and candlelight, the repetition of melodious chant, silence, intercessory prayer and contemplative prayer. Taize' songs sing themselves within you. Once you learn the melody, let yourself find the words in your heart, or listen to fellow worshipers as they sing.
Taize' invites your spirit to move along the path of rhythmic repetition, moving ever deeper into the stillness and into the beauty of God's presence.
The goal of Taize' is reconciliation~to achieve closer communication with God, which leads to deeper inner peace and commitment~and to share that peace with family, friends, our community and the world. Elements of the service include silence, meditation, short scripture readings, intercessory prayer and music. A lighted icon is the centerpiece of the worship and can be used for meditation and prayer.
-photo and text courtesy of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Gulf Breeze, FL.
