Ways to Walk | Ways to Pray
There is no wrong way to walk the labyrinth, and when we walk the labyrinth as are also praying in a distinctive way. Wherever you are and whatever you bring is where God has led you. Even sitting on one of the benches, enjoying the space, and contemplating the twists and turns of the path in front of you evokes the power of the labyrinth.
The most important thing about walking the labyrinth is this. When we walk the labyrinth, we go on a journey where we come to the center and we meet God. And when we leave the center and return to the world, we discover that we have been changed.
If you would like a little more structure, here are three ways you might walk the labyrinth –
Many people come to the labyrinth with a question on their hearts. It might be a question about a decision or a turning point in their lives. It might be a question about who we are or where God is calling us. The labyrinth will not give us the answer, but the journey gives us comfort that an answer will come to us in God’s time.
With a Question
Many people use the labyrinth as an aid to their meditation and contemplation. Many people use the labyrinth together with a word or phrase, often from Scripture. It might be a phrase you heard in church or worship recently or maybe from long ago. It might be a phrase you find comforting or difficult; God speaks through them both.
With a Word of Phrase
Many people walk the labyrinth with an openness to what God might reveal to them. They might be curious about this strange shape and path, and they might wonder what it means. They might be inspired by its pattern and the center, its destination.
With an Open Hear
Before you being the labyrinth, take a few moments to reflect on your reason for walking – a question, a word, or an open heart – and why it is important to you now. As you come to the opening of the labyrinth, open your heart, breathe, and hold your intention in your mind. As you walk the labyrinth, be aware of distractions and thoughts that come into your mind. Don’t try to purge them. They are completely natural. Just be aware of them, and put them aside. When you come to the center, once again breathe, and hold your intention. When so moved, repeat the labyrinth and come back into the world.