“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Labyrinth Prayer quiets the mind and spirit so that you can listen more easily and relate more deeply with God. Walking most labyrinths takes between 15 and 30 minutes.
Suggested steps for a labyrinth walk:
- Before you begin, decide the focus of your prayer time.
- Stand still at the entrance and invite God to walk with you.
- Move on the path as you pray. There is only one path that leads to the center. Go at any pace (fast or slow) that seems normal. Notice what is happening around you and make it part of your prayer. If you get turned around, you will either end up in the center or at the entrance/exit, continue your prayer from there.
- When you get to the center, rest in Christ’s loving presence. Reflect on what has happened so far on your prayer walk. You may choose to be aware of what you are sensing.
- When you are ready, take the same pathway back out. You may wish to continue the prayer that has started or pray about how to integrate what God has been showing you into your life and the service of others.
- When you reach the threshold, thank God for whatever you have experienced during your prayer.
- After you step outside of the labyrinth, reflect on what happened. Write down your thoughts and feelings, or creatively express them in another way (drawing, etc.).
Suggested walks:
• On the way to the center pray for the needs of others. In the center, rest with God. On the way out, pray for your own needs.
• As you walk, repeat the biblical prayer: “Thy will be done…” (Matthew 16:10)
• Begin with, “God, what is my next step?” and pray with the question as you move on the labyrinth.