7th May is World Labyrinth Day. It is an annual event sponsored by The Labyrinth Society as a worldwide action to “walk as one at 1” local time to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy across the globe.
Every year on the first Saturday in May (in 2022 it will be 7th May), thousands of people around the world participate in this moving meditation for world peace.
In this time of war and conflict in so many countries, perhaps making space for intentional walking for peace may be a small but positive response to our fractured world. If there’s no labyrinth close to you, consider a ‘slow mindful walk’ instead.
Inner peace, outer peace.
Labyrinths in Melbourne and Victoria
Labyrinth prayer – a brief history
In A.D. 324 Christians placed a labyrinth on the floor of their church in Algiers. Although Christians must have been using the labyrinth earlier, this is the first historical record we have of the Christian use of the labyrinth. Since that time labyrinths have been prayed, studied, danced, traced and drawn as Christians have sought to use this spiritual tool to draw closer to God.
Using the labyrinth involves moving one’s body and opening one’s heart to Jesus. All you have to do is follow the path and you will find the center. Unlike a maze the labyrinth has no tricks in it. A “typical” labyrinth experience involves preparing oneself at the threshold, following the single path to the center, spending time in the center, following the same pathway out the threshold and then responding to the experience.
If this is your first encounter with the labyrinth you may wonder, “What is the correct way for me to do this?” Relax! Pray on the labyrinth the way you like to pray in other places. Have a conversation with God about the things that matter most to you, offer words and gestures of praise, or present your prayer requests to Christ; there is no “right” way to pray just as there is no “right” way to pray the labyrinth! If you still aren’t sure how to get started, simply repeat, “Thy will be done” as you move on the labyrinth. Another simple way to pray the labyrinth is to pray for others on the way in, enjoy God’s presence in the center and pray for yourself as you move back towards the threshold.
The word “labyrinth” is not found in the Bible, but themes of a following God’s way, spiritual journeys, and enjoying God’s presence—all central to labyrinth experiences—are found throughout Scripture. Two verses that can be used while praying the labyrinth are, “You show me the path of life, In your presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11) and Jesus’ words, “I am the way, the truth and the life…” (John 14:6).
We are currently in a period of historic labyrinth revival. Churches, retreat centers and Christian camps are placing these prayer tools inside and outside. Christians all over the world are installing labyrinths in their yards and gardens. Many are using the labyrinths as a ministry tool, bringing portable versions to prisons, national denominational conferences and church group meetings.
Many people are being drawn closer to Jesus, experiencing healing and gaining spiritual clarity as they pray on its path.
Walking the Labyrinth – a prayer
To your open mouth we come, pausing with expectancy. Posing questions, praying dreams, gath’ring courage, hope and faith, Circle, you hold life indeed. With thanksgiving we proceed.
Stepping in, the way is sure, Pacing comes in its own time. Breathing slows, awareness dawns, Trusting, longing fill our hearts. Pathway, you hold life indeed. With thanksgiving we proceed.
In the center we are held, deeply knowing, deeply known. Healing, wholeness rising up, Wisdom, insight overflow. Center, you hold life indeed. With thanksgiving we proceed.
Back we go, the way we came, Weaving, winding in and out. Moving t’ward the world beyond, Op’ning hearts to needs perceiv’d. Pathway, you hold life indeed. With thanksgiving we proceed.
Once outside we gaze within, wond’ring at the peace we know. Spending moments filled with awe, taking leave with strength renewed. Circle, you hold life indeed. With thanksgiving we proceed.
Text: Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion ©1998