Walking The Labyrinth

The Labyrinth can offer a time to hold up a particular intention to God, such as when you are trying to discern God’s will, or pray for another person. But most often, a labyrinth walk is a time of opening yourself to God without an agenda.

Before you step onto the labyrinth, spend a few moments quieting your mind in preparation for the experience. Notice your breathing and become in tune to its rhythm as you quiet yourself in preparation. Then you may want to say a prayer before beginning the walk.

As you walk toward the center, you may want to consider things you need to let go to be in God’s presence. Or you may want to hold on to one intention for which you are walking.

Walk at your own pace—which may be slow and measured or relatively quickly. The pace that feels right to you is the right speed for the labyrinth. You may also pause as you wish, at turns or at other points along the path.

If others are walking the labyrinth at the same time, you may want to step off the path to let them pass or pause to allow them to step around you. You may acknowledge one another or stay focused on your own walk as feels appropriate.

As you walk, notice how the path winds sometimes close to the center, sometimes near the edge. This is a metaphor for our own spiritual journeys. The path that leads us to God may bring us nearer to God’s presence at times, and sometimes further, all the while on the path.

When you reach the center, you may continue standing or sit. Spend as much or as little time within the center of the labyrinth as you wish.

When you are ready begin the outward journey on the same path that brought you to the center. As you retrace your steps, you may want to consider what you take from the experience.

As you reach the exit from the labyrinth, you may want to remain in the area for a little while. This can be a productive time to draw, journal, or sit and enjoy the relative stillness for a while.

A Prayer

—The Book of Common Worship

Schedule for Walking the Labyrinth at King of Peace

Our labyrinth is typically under the chairs in our worship space, so walking the path is on set days or by prior arrangement. Our labyrinth facilitator, Victoria Logue, was trained by world-renowned Labyrinth expert Lauren Artress of Grace Cathedral and Veriditas. Victoria is available to lead workshops and introduce interested groups to the labyrinth with advanced notice. She worked on King of Peace's labyrinth video.

At this point, we are offering the labyrinth on the first Friday of the month from 4-6 p.m. and on the Saturday following it from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. 

Upcoming days when the labyrinth will be available for prayer are

October 2008
Friday, October 3 from 4-6 p.m.
Saturday, October 4 10 a.m. to 12 noon

November 2008
Available only by advanced appointment in November 2008

December 2008
Friday, December 12 from 4-6 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
In December a special Advent multimedia prayer path will be offered
at the church at the same times above, so that persons may take part
in either or both prayer experiences.

The labyrinth in use for a half-day women's retreat