Labyrinths and Mazes.... Not Just Child's Play
I recall doing mazes on paper as a child, constantly frustrated at the many possibilities and dead-ends, but always happy to reach the end, my goal. I was thrilled to learn, recently, of the labyrinth at the Chartres Cathedral, near Paris, France. As I read about it, I realized how many ways I could apply such a concept to my own spiritual growth, and that while it is often a solitary journey, some journeys are better shared with friends. Here, I present to you one way to share one part of a journey toward a more full life and relationship with our Creator.
This is a four-section (or quadrant) labyrinth, one leading into the other with one 'goal' at the center. Though traditionally labyrinths were walked from one point to the center, for this particular concept, I think it is fine to start in any of the four quadrants. At the final (fifth) station, provide a form of communion that can be taken without any aid (crackers and pre-poured cups, for instance), leaving the sojourner to read the final closing thoughts.
There is space in each quadrant for reading, reflection, and symbolic action. It has been discovered that when we apply a physical movement to something, we are more likely to recall it and be able to associate back to the activity and thoughts.
I will offer very general suggestions for ways to lay out this concept for a large group setting. Every few months (more or less, depending on the season we're in), we host a night of extended worship and ministry, to which anywhere from 8 to 35 folks come. We meet in our sanctuary, and would typically have tables set up around different points in the room. Feel free to adapt any of the ideas to your own unique setting. You may copy and paste any of the text you'd like to use as you create your own labyrinth, but please give credit where credit is due, especially for all those who I borrowed information from : )
All the following information, I gleaned from a course called Essentials in Worship Theology, taken through The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, found on www.worshiptraining.com.
I'd love to hear how this is received in your group!
Blessings,
Wynter