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Taizé Prayer for Lent 2020 in Time of the Coronavirus

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.

In normal times, we 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 to listen or join in. If sheet music would be helpful as you learn these songs, the official Taizé community generously makes their lyrics and sheet music available free for personal use on their website. Due to copyright, we cannot post those here, but you can search all of Taize’s publicly available sheet music here; songs are sorted in alphabetical order.

Veni, Sancte Spiritus

In God Alone My Soul is at Rest

Ubi Caritas

Reading

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’  Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:29-37 (New Revised Standard Version)

Bless the Lord My Soul

Silence

Kyrie Eleison - Lord, Have Mercy

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. Amen.

Prayer Around the Cross

Nada te Turbe, Nada te Espante

Stay Here and Keep Watch With Me

Jesus Remember Me

Thank you for joining the St. Paul’s Monastery Community virtually in prayer. We are blessed by your presence. God bless you and keep you safe.

Scripture from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.