Discover the Labyrinth at Holy Cross

A labyrinth is a walking Mystical Prayer.  The Labyrinth is a tool to use in contemplative prayer and meditation.  The Labyrinth has only one path leading both in and out of the center.  One can always see the center. The destination is assured, allowing the mind to be still and attentive.

Walking the Labyrinth clears the mind and gives us insight into our spiritual journeys. The Labyrinth is simply a tool for many people in deepening their prayer lives.  Each walk into and out of the Labyrinth is a unique opportunity to meet our creative and loving God through contemplative prayer.

Suggestions for Walking the Labyrinth

The Labyrinth can offer a time to hold up a particular intention to God, such as when you are trying to discern God’s will, or pray for another person.  But most often, a Labyrinth walk is a time of opening yourself to God without an agenda.

Before you step onto the Labyrinth, spend a few moments quieting your mind in preparation for the experience.  Notice your breathing and become in tune with its rhythm as you quiet yourself in preparation.  Then you may want to say a prayer before beginning the walk.

As you walk toward the center, you may want to consider things you need to let go to be in God’s presence.  Or you may want to hold on to one intention for which you are walking.

Walk at your own pace…which may be slow and measured or relatively quickly.  The pace that feels right to you is the right speed for the Labyrinth.  You may also pause as you wish, at turns or at other points along the path.

If others are walking the Labyrinth at the same time, you may want to step off the path to let them pass or pause to allow them to step around you.  You may acknowledge one another or stay focused on your own walk as feels appropriate.

As you walk, notice how the path winds sometimes close to the center, sometimes near the edge.  This is a metaphor for our own spiritual journeys.  The path that leads us to God may bring us nearer to God’s presence at times, and sometimes further, all the while on the path.

When you reach the center, you may continue standing or sit.  Spend as much or as little time within the center of the Labyrinth as you wish.

When you are ready begin the outward journey on the same path that brought you to the center.  As you retrace your steps, you may want to consider what you received from the experience.

As you reach the exit from the Labyrinth, you may want to remain in the area for a little while.  This can be a productive time to draw, journal or sit and enjoy the relative stillness for a while.

There has been a long tradition of labyrinths in Catholic Cathedrals going back to the Middle Ages.  We welcome your sharing in this prayer.

A Labyrinth Prayer

Eternal God, you call us to ventures of which we cannot see the ending by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Labyrinth Brochure

“You show me the path of life” Psalm 16:11