WHAT IS A LABYRINTH?

Prayer labyrinths have been around since before the time Jesus walked the earth. The oldest labyrinth dates back approximately 4000 years ago and is found in Crete. Labyrinths were and are used by different cultures and religions all over the world. Christian labyrinths began to be placed into cathedrals in the year 400 a.d. The labyrinth most recognized as the mother of Christian labyrinths was built in the 1300's in Europe. The most noted design associated with Christianity is known as the Chartres labyrinth and is in the floor of the nave of the Chartres Cathedral in France. This labyrinth which is made out of stone quarried from the surrounding area is still utilized as a walking prayer meditation for those that visit the cathedral.

A labyrinth is different than a maze in that a maze is designed to trick you with dead ends and choices. A labyrinth has one path in and one path out. A labyrinth walk winds back and forth and acts as a mirror for our lives. When we walk the labyrinth we can think about happy and sad things in our lives and celebrate the joy we have when we reach the center.

The labyrinth walk is a meditation or prayer journey. Since we are all people created in God's image, the circle of the labyrinth can act like God's loving embrace, holding us all close as we walk and pray with God.

There are 3 parts to a labyrinth walk. The first part is Purgation which means letting go of all that keeps us from praying to God.

The second part is Illumination, which happens when we get to the center of the labyrinth. When we reach the inner circle of the labyrinth, this is the time that we can spend as much time in prayer as we want. It is usually in the center that God helps us become more aware of our prayer request and possible answer to prayer.

The third part is Union when God takes are prayer and helps us to bring it back into the world as we walk out on the labyrinth path.

Labyrinths are just one of many ways in which we can pray and seek a healing presence. The labyrinth is a circle that holds our prayers and lets us take a stroll with our soul as we talk to God.