The Labyrinth, created in 2010, was given in loving memory of Andrew Thomas Lane. It was given to provide a special place accessible at all times for people of all spiritual traditions and physical abilities. Bonnie Strassler designed it, and master mason Mike Miller and his assistant AJ did the brickwork.
Visiting the Labyrinth
Everyone is welcome to come at any time to walk the Trinity Labyrinth. It is in the patio area near the back of the church on the Lewis Street side. There are cards with prayers and some suggestions for using the labyrinth available during business hours (9-5 Mon.-Fri.) in the Parish House.
A labyrinth is a spiritual tool that can bring us to God. It can be seen as a metaphor for our journey with God, a path to the sacred space within us. Walking a labyrinth can be seen as a walking prayer or a way to meditate. An ancient concept that predates the birth of Christ, the Christian community often uses labyrinths as a way to engage in our life in Christ using mind, body and soul. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has just one path; there is no wrong way to turn. If you simply stay on the path you will make it to the center and then find your way back out. The labyrinth can be seen as a way of bringing order to chaos and centering oneself in the presence of God.
- Entering the labyrinth: Before entering the labyrinth you may want to say a prayer asking God to prepare your heart, mind and body for the experience.
- Resting in the center: Once you arrive in the center, take some time to dwell in the divine presence; the center can be seen as a place that represents God, the truth, the core of one’s being and a place of inspiration, healing and wholeness.
- Returning to the world: Leaving the center, leaving the labyrinth, going back into the world, you may think about what you have received from God this day and return to your life with a new awareness, insight or thanksgiving.
Prayers
Walking the labyrinth can be a prayer in and of itself. Silence may be all you want. If, however, you find it helpful to have a few words with which to meditate, here are a few suggestions.
- Open me to your presence.
- Breathe in, breathe out, I know that you are with me, Lord.
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Lead me.
- Be still and know that I am God.
- Walk in the ways of God.
- Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me.
- Forgive me Lord, forgive me.
- Lord, have mercy, Christ, Have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
- Fill me with your love.
- Weeping lasts for a night; joy comes in the morning.
- All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be made well. (Julian of Norwich)
Prayer for Entering
Creator God, you have given me life and the opportunity to live it abundantly; as I walk this labyrinth, may I draw near to you. Help me to trust you as you lead me, knowing that at every turn of life’s winding course, that I walk in your loving presence. Amen
Prayer for Resting in the Center
Loving Lord, your desire is always that I dwell in your divine, centering presence; help me to draw near to you, knowing that your love is at the core of my being and that you are closer to me than my own breath. Amen.
Prayer for Returning
Gracious God, you have blessed me with your presence this day; as I prepare to leave the labyrinth and re-enter the world, keep me always mindful that my steps are eternally in your loving hands. Empower me to live into the changes of life that are ever before me with grace and confidence, knowing with your help the path I walk will lead me closer to your loving heart. Amen.