Artists Walking the Labyrinth in Chartres

A retreat for artists was held at the Center Œcumenique et Artistique de Chartres (COACH) in February 2016. Because labyrinth walking was new to almost everyone, a visual introduction was offered. 

Labyrinth Prayer in the Chartres Cathedral

Labyrinth prayer is one of the elements of the Retraite Cathédrale held in Chartres, France each Spring. Most of the participants have never experienced walking a labyrinth before. They are introduced to the spiritual practice in the afternoon and then pray using a finger labyrinth. There are two evening walks in the cathedral as well. This year, the labyrinth in the nave was closed due to restoration work, so we prayed on the cathedral’s canvas labyrinth which was placed in the south transept.

Finger Labyrinth Prayer in Kampot, Cambodia

A final labyrinth walk was planned for the Spiritual Journey workshop in Cambodia. Unfortunately, the labyrinth was removed from the floor to make room for another group. Due to the generosity of photographer Alain Kilar, each participant had a large photograph of the Chartres labyrinth which we used as finger labyrinths.

Drawing and Walking Labyrinths in Kampot, Cambodia

Having been introduced to labyrinths and having become familiar with labyrinth prayer, the Cambodian participants of the Spiritual Journey workshop learned how to draw a 3 circuit and a 7 circuit labyrinth.

Praying the Labyrinth in Kampot, Cambodia

… this group of Cambodian pastors and church leaders prayed the labyrinth. The theme of our walk was, “Speak, God, your servant is listening.” (I Samuel 3:10) Afterward, many spoke about what they wanted to remember and what they had “heard.”