There are three stages of the walk:
Entering the Path/Shedding Cares
Walking toward the center, we release cares and concerns and empty and quiet ourselves before God. As we surrender to the winding path, we find wholeness and healing.
The Center/Illumination
We pray and meditate within the circle, the Rose of Sharon; the Christ, finding clarity for our lives. We remain as long as we wish, receiving whatever is there for us.
Returning/Union
As we walk back out to the edge, on the same path, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be more authentic in ourselves and in our service to the world.
The labyrinth is not sacred in itself, but only something used as a tool for prayer. Other tools we might use in our modern time include prayer journals we write in, the computer screen where we place prayer requests, a cross, candles or picture of Jesus in our sanctuaries, a prayer alter in our home. These too are tools that help us go to God in prayer.
To set aside twenty to thirty minutes for prayer may be a new experience for many. The labyrinth helps the pray-er take time apart to be in the presence of God in a conscious way.
Our Prayer Labyrinth is Specifically Christian
The prayer labyrinth is set in the context of the Christ story.
- A Talk: Before walking the labyrinth participants hear a talk about the Christian meaning of this prayer tool. In the tradition of Moses, walkers are invited to take off their shoes to walk on holy ground. (Exodus 3: 5)
- Baptism Remembrance: A basin of water sits at the entrance of the path symbolizing baptism as new life in Christ and entrance into the church. This is an opportunity for baptized believers to renew their baptismal covenants. “Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6: 3 - 4)
- The Cross: In the center of the labyrinth lies the cross, our hope of salvation. Jesus often went to a place apart to pray and meditate on the Father’s will for his life. “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” (Matthew 16: 24)
- Holy Communion: At the head of the labyrinth the Lord’s Supper - Holy Communion is readied to be received by the baptized. “Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” (Luke 22: 17 - 19)
- Anointing: Anointing oil for prayer and healing and the forgiveness of sins has also been used. “Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5: 13 - 14)