Faithful God, we give you thanks, you who gather us in your name, in all our diversity, to live together a parable of communion—whether we our mission be in Taizé or elsewhere—reflecting the friendship you have for every human being.

Each of us, at one moment or another, has recognized that your Son, Jesus, was asking: “What are you looking for?” and inviting us: “Come and follow me!” And he offers to make us his friends, in a friendship that knows no limits.

Called to live together without having chosen one another, we thank you for the path of shared friendship that you open for us. Lead us from comparison to participation, for at the sources of prayer and trust in you, the Holy Spirit reminds us that it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us.

Great is our gratitude for these days of the council. In listening to the question, “To what is God calling us today? What is our mission?”, we sought “to seek as much light as possible on the will of Christ for the journey of the community.”

Whether this mission is at Taizé or in the fraternities, we understand that you are calling us to be present at the fractures of this world that you have loved so deeply. May your Holy Spirit help us to understand ever more fully what this means for us, and may we be ready to listening to the Spirit’s voice.

God of love, just as Jesus entrusted power to his friends, you do the same for each of us. Help us to understand that this is a power to act together, to build—always for the good and in the service of our brothers and sisters and of those whom you entrust to us.

And when we feel powerless, help us to set out again by finding support in one another, in your Word, and by welcoming the consolation of your Holy Spirit. In this way, you restore us to joy.

Renew our passion for the unity of all who love Christ, so that together we may be a leaven of peace in the human family.

May the Holy Spirit always lead us!

Prayer by Brother Matthew for the end of the Council, 29^th January, 2026