Walking the Labyrinth





The labyrinth can be thought of as a symbol of the Christian spiritual journey, which is always seeking God. It is the journey inward, searching for God and purpose, which then leads to the journey outward, to a life of service.

This is not a maze. There is one way in and, after reaching the center, you will retrace your steps out.

Our labyrinth is based on a labyrinth design found in a manuscript from the 11th century in Abingdon-on- Thames in Oxfordshire, England. It has six circuits and seven walls from the outside to the central area.

Labyrinth Etiquette: Be respectful of the others who are walking. Silence is usually observed so as not to intrude on others' prayers. If you meet someone on the labyrinth both step to the right, pass each other, then step back and continue your walk.

You are free to exit the labyrinth at any time and are welcome to stay and rest or pray on one of the benches along the sides.

Many people find prayer with movement is very meaningful. Our hope is that you will find it meaningful as well. Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy God forever. May this tool help you to achieve this goal.


Meditations



There is no one way to walk a labyrinth. There are many. The following are a few ideas:



Confession, Repentance and Forgiveness





Ask God to be with you as you enter. As you walk, reflect on your sins and failings and silently confess them to God. You may wish to pray, "Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.” Pause at the center and remember the promise that “If we confess, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins." As you walk out, listen for guidance and direction. Pause at the exit and give thanks. Record the experience in your journal.



Getting Rid of Worries and Burdens





Begin at the entrance. As you walk, think about your worries and burdens-you may wish to carry small stones to represent them. Christ has said, “Come to me all who are heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” In the center, pause and pray, thanking God for releasing you from your burdens as you set the stones down. On the way out, count your blessings, thanking God for all that you have been given. You may wish to have silent time afterwards to reflect on this process.



Listening for God's Word to You





Begin at the entrance and focus. Quiet your mind and center your thoughts on God. Enter. Walk purposefully and be attentive. Exit and finish your prayer. Reflect on the thoughts that occurred to you while walking. Record them in a journal.



A Walk of Discipleship - Going to Jerusalem





On the way in, pray and tell God of your hopes and dreams as you imagine you are traveling on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship God. In the center, praise God and thank God for the gift of those who have gone before you in the community of faith. On the way out, feel the joy of being loved by a loving and creative God.



A Walk of Discovering Your Vocation (Calling)





You can think of the journey in as a "dying to self” or going inward to hear what God's message is for you. If you need gifts or guidance to better serve God, ask on the way in. Rest in the center giving thanks for all God has given you. On the journey out, imagine that you are now fully equipped to serve and live for Christ.



Labyrinth design by Peter Hinton of Rialto Studio in San Antonio, Texas, based on the11th century Abingdon-on-Thames patternfrom Oxfordshire, England.





Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church