An Introduction to Taizé Services | Contemplative Liturgies
- The Contemplative Society
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
For decades, the small village of Taizé in Burgundy, France, has been a pilgrimage site for those seeking the "springs of faith." What began as a refuge during wartime has blossomed into a global movement of reconciliation and peace.
The Taizé style of worship is defined by its contemplative rhythm. It invites participants to enter a "common prayer" that requires no hymnal or sermon to understand, only a willingness to join one’s voice with others in a chant that becomes, over time, a resting place for the presence of God.
An Introduction to Taizé
The Taizé Community (pronounced tay-zay) was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schütz in a small village in Burgundy, France.
It began not as a choir, but as a refuge. During World War II, Brother Roger hid Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation. To avoid detection, he asked that they pray in silence so as not to alert the authorities. This necessity of silence, combined with a deep desire for reconciliation between divided Christians (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox), became the seed of the community.
Today, the Taizé Community is made up of over 100 brothers from diverse denominations and nationalities. Their unique style of worship was developed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of language or theology.
The "Taizé Style" of Worship
What makes a Taizé service unique? It is a "contemplative liturgy." It does not rely on a sermon to teach; instead, it relies on the Holy Spirit to speak through silence and song.
1. Repetitive Chant
Taizé songs are short, simple phrases from Scripture (like "Jesus, remember me" or "Bless the Lord, my soul") sung over and over again.
Why repetition? As the words are repeated, the mind can relax. The song drops from the head into the heart, becoming a container for inner stillness.
Why simple? The chants are designed so that anyone can sing them instantly, without needing a hymnal.
2. Deep Silence
At the center of every Taizé service is a long period of silence (usually 5–10 minutes).
The purpose: In a culture that fears silence, this is a radical act of trust. It is a time to let the words of the chants take root and to listen for the "still, small voice" of God.
3. Icons and Candlelight
Visuals play a huge role. Services are often lit by hundreds of candles, symbolizing the light of Christ. Icons (especially the Cross of Taizé) are placed centrally as a focal point for the gaze (a form of Visio Divina).
A Simple Service Outline
A typical Taizé prayer service lasts about 45–60 minutes and follows a rhythm like this:
Gathering Songs: 2–3 chants to settle the group.
Psalm: Sung or read.
Scripture Reading: A short passage (Gospel or Epistle), read slowly.
The Silence: 5–10 minutes of absolute quiet.
Intercessions: Short prayers for the world, with a sung response (e.g., Kyrie Eleison).
The Lord’s Prayer: Spoken or sung together.
Closing Songs: The service often ends not with a dismissal, but with songs that continue as people drift away or stay to pray around the cross.
*An example of what a Taizé service looks like:
Listen: Examples of Taizé Chants
Here are a few of the most beloved chants from the community. You may recognize them!
"In the Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful": A chant of gratitude and trust.
"Jesus, Remember Me": The words of the thief on the cross, a prayer of humility.
"Stay With Me": Based on Christ’s request in Gethsemane, a chant for Holy Week or times of vigil.
Start a Group?
You don't need a professional choir to host a Taizé prayer. You just need a quiet space, a few candles, and a willingness to enter the silence together.
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