First, let us be clear that there is no “right” way to walk a labyrinth.
But here is the general flow most commonly used:
-If indoors, as you prepare to walk, remove your shoes.
-Pause at the entrance to the labyrinth to take a cleansing breath. Some people choose to bow, cross themselves, or make another ritual gesture to signal the beginning of their walk.
-Walk the inward path at a measured pace that is comfortable for you. Pause when you need to. Don’t focus on the center as a goal; be present in each step of the inward path.
-Spend time in the center. Take as long as you wish. You may stand, sit, kneel or lie down.
-Take the return path. Resist the temptation to sprint to the finish line: the return journey is as important as every other part of the labyrinth.
-When you leave the labyrinth, you may pause make another gesture or say a prayer.
For those who need focus while walking, here are some suggestions:
Praying a scripture while walking, like Psalms 16:11a “You make known to me the path of life.” Do this like a breath prayer, repeating it with your breath as you walk. Other scriptures: Micah 6:8, Ps 18:36, Duet. 11:18-19, Is. 30:21, Jer. 6:16, Ps. 25:4, Ps. 119:45, Is. 40:14.
Focus on a question:
What are my obstacles in following Jesus right now?
Do I love a life of Gratitude?
Where is grace unfolding in my life?
How old am I in my spiritual maturity?
What about forgiveness?
Who am I becoming?
Where am I in my journey?
When walking a Labyrinth with a community it can be done in many ways. Here are some ideas:
Gather in a circle around the labyrinth, and sing at both the beginning and the end.
Pray psalms 103; as people enter read v.1 and add “let us praise God.” People can respond out loud or silently. Five minutes later read v.6 and do the same. Continue this pattern at 5 minute intervals using v.8, v12, v17 and 22b. Then as people start to come to the end read the whole psalm. End by saying Amen.
If a community of people are in the midst of making some major decisions, the group can walk the labyrinth, focusing on discerning. Then the group can convene to discuss what God may have revealed to them.
Other Fun Ideas:
On New Years Eve a group set up a Lab. out of paper bags with gravel in the bottom and votive candles out on the lawn and people walked it all night.
