Prayer Labyrinth

Labyrinths can be found all over the world, going back centuries, and in many different cultures and traditions. The Christian tradition dates back at LEAST a thousand years, to the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France. According to scholars, the latest discoveries reveal that this labyrinth was originally designed for Easter services, as a special place for people to meditate on Christ’s journey to the cross, His victory over death, and His resurrection.

There are about a dozen similar labyrinths in cathedrals all around Europe, from about the same time. We don’t know much about how or when or why they were used, but we do know they’re connected to prayer and the idea of spiritual journey or pilgrimage.

Many of these labyrinths include Christian symbols and geometric patterns that contain references to Biblical numbers (such as the three members of the Trinity, the six days of Creation, the twelve tribes / twelve disciples).

Unlike a maze, a labyrinth isn’t a puzzle to solve — there’s only one path — the SAME path, in and out. There are no dead ends, no decisions to make. You just put one foot in front of the other, until you get to the center. Then — when you’re ready — you walk out the same way. If you’re short on time or just need a little prayer walk, you can follow the path to the center, and then walk out (cutting across the lines). Or you can walk right to the center to begin your prayer time, and follow the path out.

Pray any way you want to! Pray however you usually do!

Pray freely and spontaneously or recite a favorite Scripture or Scripture-based prayer.

Ask God a question and listen for His answer.

Think of the walk as having three parts: the journey in, the time in the center (which functions like the altar at church), and the journey out. On the way in, surrender your burdens or confess your sins or present your requests to God. Pause at the center to offer your heart — and everything on it — to Him. On the way out, thank Him and praise Him and count your blessings. Or do it all in reverse.

Like the believers who first used the labyrinth at Chartres, meditate on Christ’s journey to the cross, His victory over death, and His resurrection.

It’s really up to you!

There are labyrinths all over the world, at churches and retreat centers, community centers, gardens, parks, and hospitals. And they’re usually open to the public. Do an internet search, ask your friends and neighbors, or try using the World Labyrinth Locator (but be sure to verify that the information is current by calling ahead before your visit).

You might enjoy using a hand-held labyrinth (also called a finger labyrinth) that you can trace with your finger or with a stylus. You can find wood, ceramic, or cardstock labyrinths for purchase online. There are also smartphone apps and paper printables available.