Labyrinth: A Way to Pray

A labyrinth is a physical way to pray, and for me personally a picture of the spiritual journey. It’s not a maze, it has a center and one way to get there. There are two movements, toward and away. When you’re prayer walking a labyrinth, it often doesn’t feel like you’re making progress at all.

Because Labyrinths have been used for thousands of years, and can be found in many cultures, including ancient India, Spain, Peru, and China, protestant Christians might be skeptical of their use.

I have found praying the way of the labyrinth to be meditative and grounding. I have a finger labyrinth for rainy days, and even a tattoo on my arm. These images remind me that the path or journey with God sometimes feels like we are walking away, or far, from God. But the reality is we are already in “the dance,” we are on the path. When you’re entering the path in this practice, it can feel like you’re moving farther and farther from the center. Then, a turn happens, and the next thing you know you’ve made it to the middle. You were never lost. You were never far. One foot in front of the other, the way made itself clear.

There are many ways to “use” a labyrinth. I’ll highlight a few of my favorites, with resources for more learning below. I’m also adding a labyrinth locating tool. So handy!