A labyrinth in an ancient method of setting apart a space to bring a slowing and focus to its participants.
Think of this walk as a mini-pilgrimage: a journey there and back again.
Labyrinths follow liturgical rhythms, the journey inward is the beginning of a service: as we come together, read, sing, pray, confess, preparing ourselves for Eucharist. The center of the Labyrinth echos the Communion table: a place to meet God and remember the work of Christ on the Cross. The journey outward is our sending: going into the world, carrying the light and love of Jesus, being the liturgy to those around us.
To practice the labyrinth, you will journey inward, pause in the center, and then journey outward. Each of these movements can have a different focus, or you can simply enjoy a guided walk. You can walk at your normal pace, or pause along the way to see and to pray.
Here is one way to experience the labyrinth:
Think of this walk as a mini-pilgrimage: a journey there and back again.
Labyrinths follow liturgical rhythms, the journey inward is the beginning of a service: as we come together, read, sing, pray, confess, preparing ourselves for Eucharist. The center of the Labyrinth echos the Communion table: a place to meet God and remember the work of Christ on the Cross. The journey outward is our sending: going into the world, carrying the light and love of Jesus, being the liturgy to those around us.
To practice the labyrinth, you will journey inward, pause in the center, and then journey outward. Each of these movements can have a different focus, or you can simply enjoy a guided walk. You can walk at your normal pace, or pause along the way to see and to pray.
Here is one way to experience the labyrinth:
Journey Inward
As you being your inward journey, check in with yourself. What are you carrying that you don’t need to be? Where do you need confession? Where do you need to offer forgiveness? What words do you need to hear? Slowly make your way along the path. What do you need to do to be prepared for reaching the center?
At The Center
Rest here. This is a place of peace, of hope. Rest in what God has done for you and will continue to do for you. Receive the gift of his love and forgiveness. Find thankfulness for the work of Christ. Take a moment to let all of this find a place in your soul. What parts of this are difficult for you? Where do you need centering?
Journey Outward
As you return to the world at large, how can you carry what you have experienced to others? What is available to you as you resume the journey of your life? Ask God to bring to mind those that need what you have received. How can you carry this to them?