Updated May, 2025
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At First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, we are expanding our understanding of what it means to worship. One way we’re doing this is by adding worship services that are contemplative in nature. As a prelude to a sermon series/church-wide Bible study titled “Awaken,” we offered a prayer service with communion that was a blend of both the Taizé and Iona communities’ style of worship. Music included a choir, organ, piano, acoustic guitar, and cello. As a means of helping the congregation connect with this service, we provided a written explanation (see excerpt).
Praise and Thanksgiving
In the beginning, when it was very dark, God said: “Let there be light.”
And there was light.
[The sign of light—a lighted candle—is placed on a central table.]
In the beginning, when it was very quiet, the Word was with God.
And the Word was God.
[The sign of the Word—an open Bible—is placed on the table.]
When the time was right, God sent his Son.
He came among us and was one of us.
[The sign of the Son—a cross—is placed on the table.]
—from Iona Abbey Worship Book (Wild Goose Publications, 2001), 171.
Song of Prayer: “The Lord Is My Light” (J. Berthier, Songs and Prayers from Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc.)
O God, for your love for us, warm and brooding, which has brought us to birth and has opened our eyes:
We give you thanks.
For your love for us, wild and freeing, which has awakened us to the energy of creation: to the sap that flows, the blood that pulses, and the heart that sings:
We give you thanks.
For your love for us, compassionate and patient, which has carried us through our pain, wept beside us in our sin, and waited with us in our confusion:
We give you thanks.
For your love for us, strong and challenging, which has called us to risk for you, asked for the best in us, and shown us how to serve;
We give you thanks.
O God, we come to celebrate that your Holy Spirit is present deep within us, and at the heart of all life. Forgive us when we forget your gift of love. Awaken us to the love that Christ offers, and draw us into your presence.
—from Iona Abbey Worship Book, 141ff.
Song of Prayer: “In the Lord” (J. Berthier, Songs and Prayers from Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc.)
Hearing the Word
The Word of God: Romans 13:11-12
Thanks be to God.
Song of Prayer: “Bless the Lord” (J. Berthier, Songs and Prayers from Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc.)
The Meditation: Expectation
Guided Prayer for Awakening
O God, we come asking for you to wake us up from our slumber. Help us to understand how to worship you more fully;
Awaken your people, O Lord.
[time of silent prayer]
Help us to understand how you want us to serve you;
Awaken your people, O Lord.
[time of silent prayer]
Help us to understand how to love each other so that the world will know that we are your disciples;
Awaken your people, O Lord. Awaken me.
[time of silent prayer]
The Table
Song for the Table: “Jesus, Remember Me” Anonymous
Words of Institution
Serving of the Bread
Serving of the Cup
The Blessing
Benediction
[Worshipers exit the sanctuary in reflective silence.]