The Labyrinth

Using the Labyrinth as a Tool for Prayer

Introduction to the Labyrinth as a Prayer Tool

No tool replaces prayer, and no tool has power of itself. However, people use a variety of tools to help them pray. The tools may function as reminder of prayer topics or they may enforce specific disciplines. A labyrinth assists prayer in two specific ways: 1) it defines a place apart for prayer, and 2) it promotes focus during prayer.

The boundaries of the labyrinth are lines on the ground or on pavement. They do not block the walker’s view of things outside the design, nor do they block the view of passersby. However, those who walk labyrinths often comment that, having entered the labyrinth, they can shut out the distractions around them more readily. The design itself draws their attention away from their surroundings.

Likewise, the design promotes focus. The single, simple path is marked clearly. A walker can follow the path without needing to worry about finding the way. The walker can focus on prayer concerns.

While there is no requirement to use the labyrinth in any particular way, some conventions have arisen among regular labyrinth walkers. They are offered here as suggestions only for enhancing your prayer experience with the labyrinth.

Suggestions for prayer

while walking the labyrinth

At the entrance:

Prepare. Perhaps simply greet God or invite the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

On the inward path:

Letting go. Let go of things that impede your prayers. Free yourself from thinking of the obstacles to growth; deliberately lay aside each obstacle in order to open yourself to the Holy Spirit.

At the center:

Rest in God’s presence. Await his voice. Be at peace whether God speaks or not. Let His presence be His gift to you.

On the outward path:

Consider an action God is directing, or a commitment to which God is calling, or a choice God asks of you.

At the exit:

Give thanks for God’s presence and voice in your life. If you have made a commitment or reached a conclusion about your prayer concerns, speak your decision to God and internalize your experience.

Depart in thanksgiving to serve the Lord.

If you would like to download a copy of this guide click here.

Below are prayer guides you can use when walking a labyrinth

A Labryinth Prayer Guide

Repentance

At the entrance

Remember the story Jesus told about the Pharisee and the tax collector. Pray, as the tax collector prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

On the inward path

Let go of your fear. Remember that Jesus said “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Regardless of what you have done, Jesus still loves you. Confess what is troubling you about yourself. You can tell Jesus the truth.

At the center

Rest. Do not beat yourself up. Remember that Christ died for you in order that you might be forgiven everything. Remember your baptism. Remember that you are a child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.

On the outward path

Accept God’s forgiveness. Forgive yourself. Listen for the Holy Spirit to guide you. Do you need to make amends to someone you have hurt? Do you need to take action to renew a broken relationship? Ask God to help you do what is right.

At the exit

Speak your commitment to turn away from this sin and to take whatever action God leads you to do.

Depart in thanksgiving to serve the Lord.

If you would like to download a copy of this prayer guide click here

A Labryinth Prayer Guide

Praying the Apostles’ Creed

Statement 8 – I believe in the Holy Spirit

At the entrance

Pray the statement -- I believe in the Holy Spirit.
Recall that Martin Luther said “the Holy Spirit has … enlightened me with his gifts.”

On the inward path

Confess and let go of the barriers that prevent you from knowing the indwelling Holy Spirit, the breath of Christ within us. Lay aside doubts and fears the blind you to your own unique gifts from the Holy Spirit, your calling to serve as only you can, in the work of the kingdom and the life of faith.

At the center

After the resurrection, Christ met with his disciples, held them so close that he breathed on them, and said “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Feel the breath of Christ, know his presence, rest in his love, await his voice.

On the outward path

Let the Holy Spirit open the eyes of your heart and increase your faith. See the rich gifts endowed to you by the Holy Spirit. Listen to his voice leading you to use your gifts. Remember how Jesus sent his disciples out to speak the message of hope “The kingdom of heaven is near.” How can you share that message of hope as you go about your daily life?

At the exit

Speak your commitment to do one thing with one gift in service to Christ and other people today.

Depart in thanksgiving to serve the Lord.

If you would like to download a copy of this prayer guide, click here.