“Show me your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.”
Psalm 25:4
The labyrinth is an ancient tool of prayer and meditation for people of all faiths to come together for a common spiritual experience. The winding path leads from the outer edge to a central space, and then out again on the same path. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no dead ends or wrong turns. The action of walking stills our thoughts allowing space for the Holy amid the noise, worries, task lists and congestion of daily life. The rhythm of walking is conducive to prayerful contemplation. It relaxes the body releasing mental and physical tension. Labyrinth walks are sometimes referred to as “body prayer”. The unpredictability of the turns helps us relinquish our need to feel “in control” and to acknowledge our dependence on God. Walking a labyrinth can draw us into an experience of prayer, laying our hearts open.
The labyrinth is both a circle and a spiral, which are ancient symbols of unity, wholeness and transformation. Humans have been walking labyrinths for over 5000 years in the ongoing search for life’s meaning, for comfort, for healing, for wisdom, for direction, for communion with the divine.
Walking the Labyrinth
There is no right way to walk the labyrinth. Children most often run in and out as fast as they can in a playful manner. You may choose any attitude – serious, playful, prayerful, watchful, attentive to sounds.
Be considerate of others. You may walk around others or allow them to walk around you. You may step out of the path and return.
Be open. Notice what comes. Welcome God. Walk as you are led. Submerge yourself in the experience. Enjoy the center. Why hurry away? Let Christ know your heart and mind. Let any insights or thankfulness that comes bubble over. It is not unusual to emerge from the labyrinth inspired, encouraged, grateful, clearer about next steps. All are welcome to experience this journey on the labyrinth.
“Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” Psalm 119:35
This outdoor labyrinth was built by Boy Scout Nate Hall for his Eagle Project, August, 2010.
