Regular common prayers take place in various locations in Estonia.

Where to go?

1. TALLINN:Charles/Mustamäe/of Peeter/Pirita/Holy Spirit
2. TARTU:St. Paul's Church, Tartu/St. Luke's Church, Tartu/St. John's Church, Tartu
3. Elsewhere in Estonia:Haapsalu St. John's Church/Kassari Chapel in Hiiumaa/Käsmu Church/KEILA Mikael's Church/KOSE Church/Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Loksa/Nõo Church/Viljandi St. John's Church/SAKU Toomas Congregation

See also the website of the Taizé community Regular prayers with Taizé songs.

Calendar

The Google calendar below shows events related to Taizé taking place in Estonia.

Connect your calendar with ours to stay updated on all events! (instructions)

What is a common prayer?

"We do not have to wait for all theological questions to find a unanimous answer in order to pray together. When we meet with representatives of different denominations, (…) [we can] repeatedly pray together first. In this way, we already experience unity and help God's people move toward a shared confession of faith." – Brother AloisLetter 2023)

Common prayer It is a prayer that does not require a specific creed or belonging to a particular congregation. Everyone is welcome, including those who are not accustomed to liturgical services.

In order for everyone to feel comfortable, a simple and meditative style of prayer developed in the Taizé community is usually used in the communal prayer. The prayer typically lasts 45 minutes, during which the main form of expression is singing. There is a single short reading from the Bible without a sermon. The focal point of the prayer is a moment of silence, which lasts up to 10 minutes. Children may play, draw, and simply be children during the prayer.

Taizé songs often consist of just one sentence or phrase, which is repeated meditatively. The song arrangements are polyphonic (SATB), and the sheet music is shared with all participants; everyone is invited to sing, either from the sheet music or by ear, according to their ability and voice part. The lyrics are based on the Bible or texts from early Christian authors.

Observations for the prayer organizers

Do you want to organize a Taizé-style prayer in your congregation? That’s great! Here are a few observations.

In a public space, we recommend using the expression 'Prayer with Taizé songs' or simplyjoint prayerThe phrase 'Taizé prayer' is indeed more convenient, but it can give the wrong impression, as if there were a specific order of prayer prescribed by the Taizé community. This is not the case. Each organizer is invited to think for themselves about exactly how their prayers take place; the community only shares its experiences and recommendations.

Also read about the topic on the Taizé websiteHow to prepare a sermon?:

1. Preparing the prayer
2. Preparing the place for a joint prayer
3. Icons

The Taizé brothers also made a video in English:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fphe1RuD5UM

We recommend assigning specific tasks to local people. These tasks can be a good 'excuse' to find young people and invite them to the prayer meeting. Some 'positions' include:

1. GreeterHe talks a few words with each newcomer. He isn't shy about starting a conversation. He answers questions and asks in return: 'Have you been to a Taizé service yet?' He hands out hymnbooks to people (and explains that they are not for taking with them…).
2. At Taizé, Bible texts are read in several languages because hearing is a more direct channel than reading. If a non-Estonian were to come, the greeter could ask if they would be willing to read the Bible in their native language. And in that case, there should be someone who knows.to find Bible texts in different languages on the internet with your phoneand who then borrows their phone for reading.
3. Indicatorhelps people find a spot, moves chairs if necessary… People are generally afraid to move 'forward' at public events. This is natural and understandable, especially during the corona period, but at the same time, the closeness of God can also be felt through being physically near the altar and other people. The usher is a person who understands this and ensures that everyone feels comfortable.

Files for download

1. Door poster 'Iisaak':pdf/odt(words “today” and “whoever” you add manually)
2. Flyer 'Welcome', which could be given to a new guest:pdf/odt
3. What could be said in the introduction:pdf/odt
4. Stamp „Pilgrimage of Trust in Estonia“ in 3 languages (et, en, ru) with QR reference:png/odt. If you make a poster or print something out, you can use it to express that you are taking part in the pilgrimage of trust.