Labyrinth
A labyrinth is a walking tool for prayer and meditation for those seeking God, consisting of a winding path that begins at the outside and leads to a central place and then out again by the same path. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no blind alleys or dead ends. It is not a puzzle to be solved. Instead, one simply walks in trust, receptive to what the Spirit may be inviting us to recognize, release or discover.
As a spiritual exercise, walking the labyrinth is a way to acknowledge that in our life with God, we are indeed on a journey. The action of walking stills our thoughts allowing space for the Holy amid the noise, worries, task lists and congestion of daily life.
Be open and notice what comes. Welcome God and walk as you are led. Submerge yourself in the experience and enjoy the center. Why hurry away? Let God know your heart and mind. All are welcome.
Racine United Methodist Church’s labyrinth was created by Deb and Jeff Goeldi for initial use on Good Friday as a way for all to experience meditating on the last days in the life of Jesus Christ while walking a labyrinth. Medieval Christians walked the labyrinth as an alternative to taking a hazardous pilgrimage to Jerusalem to walk in the “footsteps of Christ.” Modern “pilgrims” walk the labyrinth path as one of many tools to enhance prayer, contemplation, meditation and/or personal growth. It has been described as “a pattern with a purpose”. Walking a labyrinth is a gift we give to ourselves because it offers us a chance to take time out from our busy lives, to leave schedules and stress behind. The labyrinth walk is popular with a growing number of people because of its simplicity and the ability to approach its paths on your own terms.
The labyrinth is painted on canvas and is portable and can be used at the church any time by calling ahead to have the labyrinth laid out, or for churches or groups to use at their location by prior arraignments.
Suggestions for Walking the Labyrinth
• Leave your cares at the entrance and walk in silence.
• Clear your mind and become aware of your breath.
• Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go.
• Some people begin their walk with a few moments to quiet themselves, bow, make the sign of the cross or hold out their hands with their palms up. Do what seems right for you.
• Feel free to walk, run, skip, dance or crawl the labyrinth.
• You may pass others or allow others to step around you, at the turns.
• At the center you can stand or sit quietly for a time. Then follow the same path out from the center.
• Time in the labyrinth can be a silent meditation, asking a question or seeking guidance.
• Remember, the experience of walking the labyrinth varies widely from person to person. God meets us where we are to bless and guide.
• This is a sacred space. We pray that you will find and experience what you are seeking — what you need.
Racine United Methodist Church’s labyrinth is available year round by calling 507.202.2719 and all are welcome.
A labyrinth is a walking tool for prayer and meditation for those seeking God, consisting of a winding path that begins at the outside and leads to a central place and then out again by the same path. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no blind alleys or dead ends. It is not a puzzle to be solved. Instead, one simply walks in trust, receptive to what the Spirit may be inviting us to recognize, release or discover.
As a spiritual exercise, walking the labyrinth is a way to acknowledge that in our life with God, we are indeed on a journey. The action of walking stills our thoughts allowing space for the Holy amid the noise, worries, task lists and congestion of daily life.
Be open and notice what comes. Welcome God and walk as you are led. Submerge yourself in the experience and enjoy the center. Why hurry away? Let God know your heart and mind. All are welcome.
Racine United Methodist Church’s labyrinth was created by Deb and Jeff Goeldi for initial use on Good Friday as a way for all to experience meditating on the last days in the life of Jesus Christ while walking a labyrinth. Medieval Christians walked the labyrinth as an alternative to taking a hazardous pilgrimage to Jerusalem to walk in the “footsteps of Christ.” Modern “pilgrims” walk the labyrinth path as one of many tools to enhance prayer, contemplation, meditation and/or personal growth. It has been described as “a pattern with a purpose”. Walking a labyrinth is a gift we give to ourselves because it offers us a chance to take time out from our busy lives, to leave schedules and stress behind. The labyrinth walk is popular with a growing number of people because of its simplicity and the ability to approach its paths on your own terms.
The labyrinth is painted on canvas and is portable and can be used at the church any time by calling ahead to have the labyrinth laid out, or for churches or groups to use at their location by prior arraignments.
Suggestions for Walking the Labyrinth
• Leave your cares at the entrance and walk in silence.
• Clear your mind and become aware of your breath.
• Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go.
• Some people begin their walk with a few moments to quiet themselves, bow, make the sign of the cross or hold out their hands with their palms up. Do what seems right for you.
• Feel free to walk, run, skip, dance or crawl the labyrinth.
• You may pass others or allow others to step around you, at the turns.
• At the center you can stand or sit quietly for a time. Then follow the same path out from the center.
• Time in the labyrinth can be a silent meditation, asking a question or seeking guidance.
• Remember, the experience of walking the labyrinth varies widely from person to person. God meets us where we are to bless and guide.
• This is a sacred space. We pray that you will find and experience what you are seeking — what you need.
Racine United Methodist Church’s labyrinth is available year round by calling 507.202.2719 and all are welcome.