Prayer Ministry

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
What is Taize?
in 1940, a 25-year-old man from Switzerland, Brother Roger, came to the small village of Taize in the Burgundy Region of France with the dream of starting an ecumenical community for contemplation and for the reconciliation of Christians of all faiths. Today the community is made up of brothers from several continents and various denominations, drawing ten's of thousands of people from all parts of the world. They come as part of their search for trust and communication in their lives. Three times each day they join with the brothers for prayer in the Church of Reconciliation. An important part of the Taize experience is the singing of simple meditative songs that were developed for the prayer service. "Singing is one of the most important forms of prayer. A few words over and over again reinforce the meditative quality of the prayer. These simple chants also provide a way of praying when one is alone, during the day or at night, or even in the silence of one's heart while one is working."
 
What is Taize Prayer?
The prayer is flexible and has no real beginning or end. Songs are repreated over and over again to help us enter into the contemplation of the presence of God. The simple phrases are easily memorized so that books are not necessary. In themusic oand prayer of Taiz many different languages are used to reflect both the internation and ecumenical nature of the community. It is appropriate, whenever possible, that different languages be heard in the prayer as a reminder that we are all part of one, universal Church of Christ, which is for all nations and peoples, and exists in all times and ages. People often think Latin is used in many of the chants. The brothers found that with so many people gathering together who did not understand each other's language, a common language of unity needed to be found. Although a 'dead' language, the Latin phrases are easy topick up and understand.
 
Why Taize?
In the busy world, we need more and more to feed ourselves on the spiritual rock, which is Christ himself. The prayer tradition of Taize, based on the monastic hours of prayer each day, can help us let go of our own preoccupations and get in touch with spiritual realities.
 
What Can I Expect?
People maykneel or sit, taking whatever posture is most comfortable for them. As thepsalmist wrote: "O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother's breast; like a child thati s quieted is my soul, O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and for ever more."
 
Other Taize Prayer Services:
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church - Services the second Sunday of each month at 6:30 pm
2929 Woodland HIlls, Kingwood
281-358-3154
 
Grace United Methodist Church - Services the first Sunday of each month at 6 pm
18218 Highway 6, Manvel
281-489-9083
 
Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church - Services the third Friday of each month at 7 pm
6221 Main St.
713-529-6196
 
St. Vincent de Paul - Services the first Sunday of each month at 7:30 pm
6800 Buffalo Speedway
713-667-9111
 
Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church - Saturdays at 5 pm
2353 Rice
713-523-2864
 
St. Paul's United Methodist Church - holds periodic services
5401 Fannin
713-528-0527