The Journey of Faith

The labyrinth was described to me as three rings, representing the trinity.  The outer circumference represents the Holy Spirit, reaching out encompassing all.  The inner-circle (or pathway) representing Jesus and His walk here on earth.  The central circle represents God, as being the center of the universe.

I was also told that the path has three stages: the inward journey, the center, and the outward journey.

• The inward journey – is letting go of things that hinder our wholeness and inner approach to God.
• The center – is a space for meditative prayer and peace.
• The outward journey – is a relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the planet, seen in the light of our relationship with God.

I also see the labyrinth as a symbol of our walk with God.  Sometimes in our lives, things happen that cause us to stray from God and even turn our backs on Him, but there are other times when things occur that we see Him working in our lives and we quickly find ourselves walking right towards Him and are so close to Him.  The path of the labyrinth clearly displays these trials and times of joy as we meander our way through the path to the center and repeat that path as we make our way back to the outside.

Labyrinths can be found worldwide, but some are hidden gems among the hills and are difficult to find.  Doing a simple Google search for prayer labyrinths in your city, or state may provide you some results, but you can also check out many on-going events at The Labyrinth Society or use the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator.

Labyrinths are most often walked or traced as a form of meditation and inward, silent prayer.  Wear comfortable clothes and remove your shoes and socks, if possible.  Take a few deep breaths as you prepare to enter the labyrinth. Begin walking the path with slow steps.  Be ever conscious of your position in relation to the center.

As you make your way towards the center, inwardly lift up things that are a barrier to your relationship with God and hindering your wholeness.  Whatever those things may be, do not be afraid to let them go.  God will instruct you on how to move forward through your communion with Him.

As you approach the center of the labyrinth, pause for a few minutes or however long you wish in order to accept His peace.  You may sit or stand, whatever you are able and comfortable doing.  Here you may lift up praises and thanksgiving.

As you exit the center and begin your outward journey, reflect upon your relationship with yourself and who you are in Christ.  Take time to pray for relationships with others and your environment.  Pray for guidance as you make your way back out into the world that you may have the courage to share the Word, the love, and the grace of God with those around you.

Once you exit the labyrinth, step to the side and take a moment to thank God for communing with you.  Thank Him for the experience and for any wisdom that has been presented to you in your journey through the labyrinth.

Here is a great guide to prepare you for your first experience walking or using a prayer labyrinth. Developed by Lana Miller, the campus pastor at Eastern Mennonite University.

My first experience walking a prayer labyrinth was back in 2007.  I was a church camp counselor at Spring Heights and the staff and older youth group were put to the task of building one in the large field on site.  I had a life-changing experience with that group that week within and walking the labyrinth was part of it.

Though it is situated to the side of a large field, it is pretty much in the center of camp, but somehow when we entered (barefoot to feel the damp grass from the early morning dew), we stepped onto Holy Ground.  The rest of the world faded away and I was walking a path talking inwardly to God.  On my way to the center, I told Him of my insecurities, my fears, my doubts, and the things that I hoped and prayed for.  I asked forgiveness for the wrongs in my life.  I spent time praying for every one of the youth in my group that week.  When I reached the central ring, I stood amongst the teens in a giant group hug.  No one spoke; instead, we listened.

On the way out of the center, I prayed for the week and months ahead.  I prayed for my group to be touched and changed by our time together; I prayed for the strength and the wisdom to convey His words clearly and that He will be evident in my life.  I also prayed that I may find a way to continue this ministry, working at the camp, even beyond the summer.

As we exited, we all sat around the circumference of the circle, still meditating and silently waiting for the others to complete the circuit.  I looked around and most of the teens were sniffling, sucking back tears from the experience they just had walking the labyrinth.  I wiped away my own tears as I looked out to the 16-foot cross at the end of the meadow.  This experience was more than simply walking a winding path amongst a pile of rocks and tree stumps in an open field, it was a reminder of how easy it is to commune with our heavenly Father.  We just need to take the time and do it.