Praying the Labyrinth

If you are unfamiliar with a prayer labyrinth found at many retreat centers, churches, and even some parks, this is an ancient practice that has been a part of the Christian tradition of prayer and meditation for centuries. It typically takes a circular path with one entrance point at the outer edge and winds back and forth, spiraling around the circle until it reaches the entrance into an inner space or circle. The only way out, (other than just cutting through all the paths), is to walk the same path by which you entered.

This gentle rhythm of slowly moving from external to internal and back out again is symbolic of the spiritual path moving ever nearer to the inner being, the abiding place of God. There is no one way to use the labyrinth. Each time I walk one, the experience seems to take on a life of its own.  Sometimes I bring something with me for the journey, an offering or a prayer symbol that I will leave at the center space, often joining it with dozens of other offerings from other who have walked this path.

Or I may be walking a prayer of praise. I recall one such pilgrimage around the labyrinth when the stone markers along the path seemed to represent the “great cloud of witnesses” throughout my life and even down through the centuries who join me on my journey. They seemed to be applauding me as I walked, encouraging me. I remembered as many of them as I could and offered prayers of gratitude for their companionship and teaching throughout my life. The prayer path could also represent a season of transformation over a certain period of time, acknowledging the slow change from the outside in and inside out.

What has been your experience of praying the labyrinth? Is it part of your weekly, monthly or yearly rhythm? Exploring your prayer practice can open new windows of the soul to conversation with God, and a spiritual director is a great listening companion on that journey. I’d love to meet with you to explore prayer, other faith practices and how God is showing up in ordinary life. Click here to schedule a time for a complementary session.