Come, walk the

LABYRINTH

a place of quiet meditation

at

Heritage Presbyterian Church

 

 

The Labyrinth is an ancient practice of walking meditation and prayer. The version at Heritage is designed after the Labyrinth built into the floor of the cathedral atChartres, France, in A.D. 1220. It is located on the far right corner of the lawn behind the church building.

 

All are welcome, anytime, as individuals or in groups.

A walk on the Labyrinth can help bring solace and
strength, heal inner wounds, clarify understanding of a
situation, facilitate the grieving process, deepen one's
sense of the Divine presence.

 

The Labyrinth is a metaphor for the spiritual journey -
there are many turning places on the path, but the farther along you go, the closer you draw to the center of it all.

 

(If you walk the Labyrinth as a group, it is recommended that you
do it in silence or sing a common song or chant. When you meet
someone, simply step aside; you may pass others or be passed.

There are no rules. Trust your intuition.)

 

Suggestions for a prayer focus:

 

t As you walk in, have an attitude of releasing the roles, expectations, and responsibilities that shape your life. Follow the turns at your own pace, surrendering to the path. Relax. Let go of grief, resentment, fear. When you come to the center, enter with an open mind and an open heart. "Be still and know..." (ps.46) Offer your full self to God. Listen to what message or symbol or knowing is there for you. As you walk out, let yourself carry the sense of the center within you as you move back into the normal routines and relationships of life.

 

t As you walk the Labyrinth, repeat a phrase from scripture or sing a song that is an expression of prayer. Move slowly, so that you can stay aware of sensations, images, and thoughts that come to you.

 

t Practice a simple present-time awareness with every step you take. Delight in God's gift of your physical body. Sense the air, listen to the sounds, feel the muscles move you along the path. Enjoy the sight of circle upon circle. Be aware of different sensations when you arrive at the center point.

 

t Carry a personal problem or wound or loss with you as you make your way into the Labyrinth. Think about what your deepest prayer is at this juncture in life. Be aware of how you hold the problem in your body and in your spirit. Let your knowledge of the issue expand and deepen as you make the turns. At the center, offer yourself up to God for healing and renewal. Walk out with the assurance of God's care for you; celebrate the sensations of a new lightness of being.

 

t    Think of the walk towards the center as your journey inward to that place where we can be more truly ourselves and most present with God. Spend a longer time at the center just BEING. Take that sense of BEING out with you as you progress back into the world of DOING.