Taize

Meditative Prayer with Taizé Songs

At the Faculty of Philosophy, UNPAR
Jl. Nias No. 2, Bandung

Held every month on the last Saturday, from 6:00–7:00 PM (WIB)
in the ground-floor classroom.

This meditative prayer is ecumenical, meaning it is open to Christians from various denominations and churches. Taizé is the name of a small village in the Burgundy hills of eastern France, near the city of Cluny. In Taizé, there is an ecumenical community of several dozen brothers, visited by thousands of young people from different nations and Christian traditions who are committed to living simply, sharing fellowship, and practicing celibacy.

The meditative way of praying—through songs accompanied by the gentle music characteristic of Taizé—is now well known throughout Indonesia. It is often used during retreats, Eucharistic celebrations, memorial prayers, community prayers, and prayers for the sick. This style and atmosphere of prayer are unique, as they are contemplative and flow through repetitive chants interwoven with the sounds of guitar, flute, and soft vocals.

The prayer space is arranged so that the only lighting comes from small candles scattered around the mats where participants sit. At the front stands a large cross in the distinctive Taizé style. In this tranquil setting, many people often find themselves drawn deeply into God’s presence and experience inner enlightenment. Those who initially come just to observe often find themselves returning regularly, discovering more deeply the presence of Christ—the eternal pearl—within themselves.

The spirituality of Taizé, if it can be described, is a spirituality of celebration—a celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Brother Roger, the founder of the community, once prayed that “the spring of joy may never run dry in our hearts.” The message of Taizé is always one of hope and celebration. When Br. Roger was once asked what he meant by “celebration,” he replied:

“Within every person lies a zone of silence that cannot be filled by human intimacy; it is there that God meets us. There, in that depth, the intimate feast of the Risen Christ is arranged. Thus, within the hollow of our being, we discover the Risen Christ—He is our celebration.”

For Brother Roger, God is the One who seeks us, who never ceases to call us, and who, when He finds us, “rejoices and dances over us.” In his Rule, Brother Roger urged the brothers to be “filled with the Spirit of the Beatitudes—joy, simplicity, and mercy.”

Below are examples of Taizé Prayer posters from the Faculty of Philosophy, UNPAR.