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The Labyrinth
at Peace Lutheran Church
The outdoor labyrinth is in front of the
main entrance to Peace Lutheran Church and
is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, weather
permitting. It is open to people of all denominations and faith traditions. The labyrinth
may not be available for walking during regular or special services and events or routine
maintenance. In general, it is a good idea to call ahead to check availability. No
appointment is necessary. Groups wishing to walk the labyrinth together may call the
church's office (258-2293) to reserve a time.
If you are coming to Peace Lutheran to walk the labyrinth for the first time, there is a
labyrinth display inside the church's building. Please sign the Labyrinth Guest Book. Your
comments are welcome.
Peace Lutheran Church is located 2.6 miles west of U.S. Highway 183, on Ranch Road 620.
Parking is available near the labyrinth. The parking area and labyrinth are
handicap-accessible.
What is a Labyrinth?
Labyrinths are about as old as civilization itself. Through four thousand years, in
cultures all over the world, labyrinths have symbolized fundamental ideas about life,
nature, and spirituality.
The labyrinth at Peace Lutheran Church is the classical eleven-circuit labyrinth. The most
well-known example of this type is embedded in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France.
The Chartres labyrinth dates from sometime between 1194 and 1220. To medieval Christians,
the labyrinth symbolized two things. It was a reminder of the Christian path through life
towards death and new life. For those who could not afford a pilgrimage to Jerusalem,
walking the labyrinth served as an acceptable substitute.
Like the spiritual pilgrims of the middle ages, seekers today enter the labyrinth on a
quest to deepen their relationship with God. The labyrinth is a metaphor for one's own
spiritual journey through life. The labyrinth winds along a single path leading in one
direction. The circle it forms symbolizes wholeness and unity.
Walking the Labyrinth
Walking the labyrinth is an ancient spiritual act that is being rediscovered during our
time. Everyone has a unique experience that is different each time they walk the
labyrinth. Walking the labyrinth is an act of worship and prayer. We walk the labyrinth to
renew our relationship with God, to give thanks and praise to God, to pray for ourselves
and others, to strengthen our faith and to gain hope for the future. Walk the labyrinth to
focus your entire body, mind and heart on God.
The walk follows a basic pattern. Walking the long winding path to the center encourages
you to relax and let go of the stress of everyday life. This helps quiet your mind and
focus your thoughts, allowing a deeper part to come forward. The center is a place of
prayer and meditation. Enter with an open mind -- receive what is there for you. As you
leave the center and retrace the path that brought you in, you are gradually moved back
out into the world. The walk out integrates the insights you have received into your daily
life. You arrive at the same place you started. Your journey continues in the world.
Here is a basic guide to walking the labyrinth:
- Walk at your own pace.
- When you reach the center, stay as long as you like.
- When meeting someone on the path, pass to the right.
- Don't try to predict your experience. Receive what is there for you.
- You may want to repeat a particular prayer, Bible verse, or poem to yourself as you
walk.
Special Services by the Labyrinth
Occasionally, Peace Lutheran Church hosts worship services by the labyrinth. These very
special, candle-lit services combine live music with readings, prayers and various rites
of the Church which prepare pilgrims for the journey ahead. Following the brief service,
people are invited to walk the candle-lit labyrinth. Refreshments are provided in the
Church's narthex. Call the church office for information concerning these events.
For more information concerning the Labyrinth at Peace Lutheran Church, call the
church office at 512/258-2293. |
