Taizé Prayer Guide from Sister Jacqueline Leiter, OSB
We invite you to join us in this special Taizé prayer for the Easter season. Taizé is a quiet, meditative prayer sung in common. The songs are short phrases that we sing repeatedly so that the words may enter our hearts. The songs may be sung in many different languages, reminding us that the Gospel is for all the world and we are all God’s people. Taizé prayer also includes a short reading, prayers of intercession (Kyrie Eleison – Lord, Have Mercy), and an opportunity to adore the cross. Prayer ends in silence, and we go out to love and be of service: Taizé prayer is offered for the whole world.
When the Monastery re-opens to the public, we will have Taizé Prayer in the Monastery Chapel at 7:00 p.m. on the Third Friday of each month. We now invite you to join us in prayer from your home, at any time you wish. For YouTube videos of the music, click on the name of each song and listen or join in.
The official Taizé Community generously makes their sheet music with lyrics available free for personal use. We provided links for each of the songs below that currently has these resources available. To search all of Taizé’s publicly available sheet music go here; songs are in alphabetical order.
Christus Resurrexit
Click here for music and lyrics.
In God Alone My Soul is at Rest (Mon ame se repose)
Click here for music and lyrics (English lyrics in the small print).
Alleluia
Click here for music and lyrics.
Reading
John 20:19- 22, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Be Not Afraid
Lyrics and music not currently available on Taizé website.
Silence
Kyrie Eleison—Lord, Have Mercy
Click here for music and lyrics.
We pray “Lord, Have Mercy” and add our prayers. Here are some possible intercessions to pray. You may also add your own:
- That in times of illness our merciful and loving Father will strengthen our faith and trust in his goodness and divine providence; let us pray to the Lord.
- That our compassionate Father would touch all affected by the current outbreak with healing and peace; let us pray to the Lord.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
now and forever.
Amen.
Concluding Prayer
God of compassion you have come near to us and have shown us your mercy. Give us compassion for one another and for all the world. Give us love that reflects your forgiveness and grace so that we may love one another. We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Prayer Around the Cross
Nada te Turbe, Nada te Espante
Click here for music and lyrics.
Laudate Dominum
Click here for music and lyrics.
Sing to God (Singt dem Herrn)
Click here for music and lyrics (English lyrics available in small print).
Ubi Caritas
Click here for music and lyrics.
End in silence.
Thank you for joining us virtually in prayer. God bless you and keep you safe.