The Taizé Service of Prayer and Healing is a different kind of worship service. Contemplative in nature, it is one of the ways to get in touch with one’s mystical self in the company of others with a similar intent, quieting the mind and listening for God.  This service is introduced and led by the Rev. Will McLeane, our Pastor of Spiritual Formation, and by the Taizé musicians, led by Andrew Risinger.  There are contemplative readings, and, between readings and some of the sung pieces, there are times for silent reflection.  Then in a guided meditation, we are given advice on posture and breathing, personal awareness of our own breathing, avoiding thoughts, and opening ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit and preparing us to receive God’s gifts for us, based in God’s love for us, all of which leads to a period of extended silent meditation and the receiving of God’s peace and care.  There is also a section of the service dedicated to healing where anyone may go to the chancel area to pray, be anointed with oil, and be prayed for. 

(Note: A full program bulletin containing all of the music and readings is available for download as a pdf below.  NOTE: Some technical issues affected the first part of the service, so Rev. Will’s welcome is not part of the video or audio, and the video and audio recordings begin midway through the first musical piece.)