Summary:
What is Taizé prayer? Taizé prayer is a quiet simple way of prayer designed for people of all Christian traditions. These meditative candlelit services include simple chants sung repeatedly; rich silence; and prayers of praise and intercession.

History of Taizé: These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taizé, France. Brother Roger, Taizé’s founder, arrived in the village of Taizé, France, in 1940. In the midst of World War II, he dreamed of creating a community where reconciliation was a daily reality. He began by giving shelter to refugees of the war, especially Jews. Brother Roger recognized that the search for reconciliation was within each individual as well as within the community. Initially, the Taizé founder lived alone, until brothers from various Protestant and Catholic backgrounds joined him. Today, as an ecumenical monastic community, Taizé represents a sign of reconciliation. Taizé prayer has become loved around the world for its simplicity and opportunity for reflection.