The Labyrinth and Christian Prayer
The labyrinth holds an ancient meaning as a prompt for prayer.
The winding path leads to the center; this serves as a mirror to reflect the movement of the Spirit in our lives.
It is a path of symbolism leading from earth to God.
There are no tricks, no dead ends. It is a walk with a heart and mind open to Christ, open to the spiritual journey of our lives.
Early Christian labyrinths date back to a basilica in Algeria during the 4th century. The most famous is the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth, France (1220 AD).
They were used to symbolically represent the pilgrimage to the Holy Land during the Middle Ages. A more recent example can be found at Grace Cathedral in San
Francisco.
The basic shape of the labyrinth is Cruciform. This significant Christian symbol of the cross is readily visible in the four arms of the design.
The four corners around the cross represent the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; as well as the four seasons and stages of the life.
To create eleven paths or circuits requires twelve circles for the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples, serving as a reminder of our communal need to care for one another.
The labyrinth journey has three phases.
Purgation
Letting go – the path inward.
Illumination
Clarity, insight, and openness to receive – the journey center.
Union
Integration of what is learned from the prayer experience into action in the world – the path outward.
The labyrinth represents the path of grace of our sacred Christian journey. Historically it has been used as a pilgrimage for soul searching. Today, labyrinths are being used for meditation, reflection, problem solving, comfort and prayer.
People have different experiences walking the labyrinth. As with all practices of prayer or meditation, the experience will grow and deepen the more it is done.
top of page
|
