Tag: Mindfulness

Posted in Holiday Joy

Taizé Three 4/2/25 “There Is a Balm”

Posted on by Neal Saye

Tonight was our church’s (Asbury Memorial, Savannah) third Taize service of the 2025 Lenton season.

Taize is a meditative worship service known for simple, repetitive chants, scripture readings, and times of silence, originating from the Taizé community in France.

Peacefully beautiful as usual, with the theme this evening of “There is a balm in Gilead.”

Whatever our faith (or lack thereof), we all probably need a balm from time to time, a gentle soothing.

The tranquil chorus we sang several times throughout the thirty minute service:

“There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.”

May we all experience a Bit of Balm this lovely Springtime Season.

Posted in Beauty, Holiday Joy

Taizé Two 3/19/25 “Into Life”

Posted on by Neal Saye

This evening brought the second Lenten Taize service at our church, Asbury Memorial here in Savannah.

I love the almost somber beauty of Taizé.

Here’s the simple quiet chant we sang meditatively several times during the brief service:

“Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.”

(And if you, like me, from time to time have difficulty embracing the concept of a faithful God, perhaps just switch the wording of Lord to “greater than me” or “universe” or whatever works for you.)

We also recited together the powerful Prayer of St. Francis:

Posted in Beauty, Holiday Joy

Taizé One 3/12/25 “Light”

Posted on by Neal Saye

Tonight was the first of our church’s five Taizé services during the Lenten season leading up to Easter Sunday. (Asburymemorial.org)

I LOVE the quiet, almost somber, beauty of Taizé.

A little about the history of Taizé:

“The Taizé prayer service is from an interfaith community founded in Taizé, France in 1940. A Taizé service provides a meditative style of song and prayer known for its simplicity and focus on Christ. Today the Taizé community comprises those of Catholic and Protestant backgrounds from regions around the globe. At a Taizé service we pray as we sing, as we reflect on the Scripture reading, as we sit in silence, and as we offer our prayers to Christ.” jaxcathedral.org

TONIGHT’S INVITATION: “Come into this place of peace and let its silence heal your spirit; Come into this place of memory & let its history warm your soul; Come into this place of prophecy and power and let its vision change your heart.”

Tonight’s theme focused on light.

And the MUSIC/CHANT:

“Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us.

Let not my doubts, and my darkness speak to me.

Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us.

Let my heart always welcome your love.”

Whatever your belief, or lack of, may Peace be your Portion at this time of year.

Posted in Holidays and Seasonal Changes

Why My Face Is Dirtier Than Usual Today

Posted on by Neal Saye

Robert and I, along with my ex-wife Donna and good friend Margaret, went to our church’s Ash Wednesday service at noon today.

I LOVE the Season of Spring and all the Warm Days, Holidays/Holy days it debuts.

Here’s National Day Calendar’s brief explanation:

“Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of the Lenten season for Christians. It takes place 46 days before Easter and the day after Shrove Tuesday.

Those who celebrate Ash Wednesday may reflect, fast, repent and celebrate. The ashes represent death and repentance and Ash Wednesday services focus on both. In many churches, the ashes are made from the palm branches that are burned from the previous Palm Sunday service.”

I am a Christian (belonging to a very liberal, inclusive, and justice-oriented congregation), but I love this secular rendering of Ash Wednesday:

Google Overview

Here’s a beautifully somber yet encouraging meditation on the meaning of Ash Wednesday:

May you see a Reflection of Good this season.