Gathering
Leader(s): Invite all to form one or two circles around the outside of the labyrinth.
Welcome and Statement of Purpose
Leader: This labyrinth pathway of prayer has been installed here in order to invite the community into deeper experiences of connection with God. We are here today to dedicate it.
In the early thirteen century A.D., a labyrinth in this unique form was laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. At that time, Christian theologians were very interested in the concept of the New Jerusalem and incorporated many symbols of it in their plans for the cathedral and its labyrinth. Our dedication for this Chartres-style labyrinth honors this history and connects us to it as we pray using the promises and blessings associated with the New Jerusalem as it is described in the book of Revelation.
I will offer a Scripture and prayer sentence and then invite you to respond, saying “We dedicate this labyrinth to God’s glory and the wholeness of all who come.”
Please repeat this with me: We dedicate this labyrinth to God’s glory and the wholeness of all who come.
Leader: We read in Revelation 21:3, “Now the dwelling of God is with humanity.”
We pray that those who use this labyrinth will experience Your presence, O Christ.
ALL: We dedicate this labyrinth to God’s glory and the wholeness of all who come.
Leader: We read in Revelation 21:4, “[Christ] will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
Christ, we ask that all those who come to the labyrinth in pain or longing will receive what is needed from You.
ALL: We dedicate this labyrinth to God’s glory and the wholeness of all who come.
Leader: In Revelation 21:5, Christ declares, “I am making all things new.”
For the courage to pray for fresh starts and for your transforming grace, O Christ.
ALL: We dedicate this labyrinth to God’s glory and the wholeness of all who come.
Leader: In Revelation 21:6 Christ states, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end.”
Christ, may this labyrinth path, where the beginning is also the end, teach us to see, think and feel the unity of all You have created and all You are.”
ALL: We dedicate this labyrinth to God’s glory and the wholeness of all who come.
Leader: In Revelation Christ promises, “To the one who is thirsty I will give drink withoutcost from the spring of the water of life.”
Christ, may all who come to this labyrinth be satisfied by meeting with You here.
ALL: We dedicate this labyrinth to God’s glory and the wholeness of all who come.
Leader: In Revelation 21:33 we read, “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and the lamb is its lamp.”
Christ, may those who experience this labyrinth be illumined by Your presence. May Your guiding light shine in them and through them.
ALL: We dedicate this labyrinth to God’s glory and the wholeness of all who come.
Leader: Amen!
Song chosen by Music Director and sung by the seminary choir.
Official Prayer of Dedication led by the President of the Seminary, followed by a benediction.