Taizé Evening Prayers, November 22, 2026

Location: TBD

Prayer is often first of all a desire, a silent longing for peace in the presence of God. When we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit is there, praying in us in sighs too deep for words. As we listen to that deepest part of our heart, we can realize that it is there that the Holy Spirit dwells. I am confronted with myself and with God, who is breathing in me.

Br. Matthew of Taizé

Two Taizé Evening Prayer services will be offered in the year 2026-27. Each will provide curated spaces and times for contemplative prayer, with scripture, song, and personal time for candlelighting and conversation with a minister. Worship movements will focus on topics in the 2026-27 season, “What are you seeking?”

What are you seeking? These first words of Jesus in the Gospel of John are a question to two young people standing in the Jordan valley. Last year, six young adults from six countries across four continents heard the same question. They answered:

Silence. A direction. Joy. Meaning. A just world. Community. Peace.

When Jesus asks His question, the young people reply, “Master, where do you live?” Jesus tells them, “Come and you will see.” (John 1:38-39) In his January 2026 letter, Br. Matthew, Prior of the Community of Taizé, reflects on the words of the six volunteers, and then responds with the Word of God. Our focus starts there, with inspiration from Taizé’s annual letter for 2026, “Que cherches-tu ?” Throughout our season, we will bring these lessons home to Central Texas.

Pastors and lay speakers will prepare brief homilies and written words of inspiration throughout the year. Scripture will be selected for meditation based on each of the seasonal topics. We will worship using a combination of both the Service of Healing and Wholeness and Taizé Common Prayers on various dates. Service type and location will always be noted.

About the songs: Taizé Prayer chants are congregational, made of short phrases that are repeated for ease of participation. Because Taizé represents over 100 countries worldwide, the songs are translated into many languages. In our services, we usually sing these songs in English. For an idea of how the songs sound in their original languages, please enjoy this YouTube playlist.

About the Service: Our worship services use two very special types of templates: the Protestant Service of Healing and Wholeness and Taizé Common Prayers. Songs are sung from the Community of Taizé. Time is set aside for intercessory prayer, candle lighting, and private prayer with a minister. Many of our meetings offer open Communion, with gluten-free elements available. All services are open to the public.

We hope to see you, our friends and neighbors, in 2026-2027.