Christian Labyrinth walking at First Presbyterian

Praying with a labyrinth is a form of walking meditation, a physical expression of the interior journey towards Christ that characterizes all Christian meditation. Like a pilgrimage, forms of walking meditation give us time and space to listen and respond to God.

The earliest examples of labyrinths go back nearly 5,000 years, but the use of labyrinths in Christian prayer emerged during the Middle Ages. The most famous example of a Christian labyrinth intended for prayer is the stone labyrinth inlaid on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France.

Using a labyrinth involves moving one's body and opening one's heart to Jesus.  A "typical" labyrinth experience involves praying, following the single path to the center, spending time in the center, following the same pathway out and then reflecting on the experience. 
If this is your first encounter with the labyrinth you may wonder, "What is the correct way for me to do this?" Relax!  Pray in the labyrinth the way you like to pray in other places. Have a conversation with God about the things that matter most to you, offer words and gestures of praise, or present your prayer requests to Christ; there is no "right" way to pray the labyrinth. If you still aren't sure how to get started simply repeat, "Thy will be done" or “Come, Lord Jesus” as you walk.

The word "labyrinth" is not found in the Bible, but themes of following God's way, spiritual journeys, and enjoying God's presence—all central to labyrinth experiences - are found throughout Scripture. Verses you may wish to read as you enter or leave the labyrinth are found in Psalm 16:11, John 14:16, or Exodus 13:21.  Or my favorite, “Jesus himself drew near and walked with them”. (Luke 24:15)