Using Labyrinth Prayer as a Tool to Overcome Separation

Labyrinths are tools that can help you partner with God to overcome separation.

The center of the MIT labyrinth in Yangon

First:

Ask, “What separation am I most aware of? What separation is most important to me right now?” Be specific.

Frame one sentence that starts with, “I am feeling separated from…” Or, “The separation of ….. and …. Is very real to me right now.”

(Or, compose your own single sentence about the separation that you are most concerned with right now.)


Second:

Become aware of everything you can know about the separation that you have identified. “What is nature of this separation? What bothers me about it? What does it feel like? What do I know about it? What don’t I know about it? What does it look like? What doesn’t it look like?

Become aware of the nature of the separation in as many ways (within reason) as you can.

When you are satisfied that you understand enough about this separation to work with it on a deeper level than you have, move to the third step.


Third:

Ask for God’s help.

Ask that what you discover will be best for you, others, and the world.


Finger labyrinth prayer, Cambodia by Jill K H Geoffrion, photographer

Fourth:

In a spirit of partnership with Divine Help, decide how you are going to use a labyrinth to help.

(Use what you know about yourself and the labyrinth to decide this. Will you sit with a labyrinth? Walk it? Use it in a way that has been meaningful before? Which pattern would be most helpful for the work you are undertaking? Etc.)


Fifth:

Consciously (re)commit your process of (re)connection into the care of Sacred Reality.

Many find the prayer, “Thy will be done.” To be helpful.

Use any sincere prayer.


Sixth:

Engage the labyrinth in whatever ways you have decided and/or have been revealed to you.


Seventh:

Afterward, reflect through thought, image, emotion, or another way that makes sense. Allow the experience to unfold more fully.


Eighth:

When you are ready to shift your attention elsewhere, acknowledge this to your Partner in this work.

As you are able, express gratitude for the time and experience that has been shared.

Sandbox labyrinth in Minnesota by Jill K H Geoffrion, photographer