The Practice of Christian Labyrinths 

“The object of pilgrimage is not rest and recreation – to get away from it all. To set out on a pilgrimage is to throw down a challenge to everyday life.” 

Huston Smith 

Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. 

Leviticus 19:2 NRSV

Labyrinths

The word “labyrinth” brings up images of a maze. Daedalus, a mythical craftsman, created the Knossos Labyrinth for King Minos of Crete. It wasn’t straightforward. It housed the Minotaur, whom Theseus slew. Daedalus designed the Labyrinth so beautifully that he was unable to escape.

Prayer Labyrinths

Prayer labyrinths are used for both walking and praying. There is no magic. You can walk about and ponder on God without getting lost. Labyrinths feature a single path to the center and back. It has multiple turns but no dead ends, unlike mazes. Labyrinths can be set up inside on a canvas mat or outside on grass, tile, or stone. There are finger and online labyrinths. Labyrinths can be found worldwide and have a long history inside and outside the church. Christian labyrinths spiritually transform people. Worship and thank God as you make your way to the center of a maze, then pray for others as you return. Many Christian denominations support the use of labyrinths in holy rites.

Cultural Influence

The labyrinth existed before Christianity. It is used in many civilizations for a variety of purposes. The Christian church has used it since the fourth century. Thousands of Christians worldwide use it for prayer, meditation, contemplation, worship, celebration, and spiritual growth. In 324 AD, the Algerian Basilica of St. Reparatus had the first Christian labyrinth. In the labyrinth’s heart were the words “Sancta Ecclesia” (Holy Church), reminding Christians of their focus.

The medieval Holy Lands were either dangerous or inaccessible. By walking church labyrinths, many European Christians replicated pilgrimage. With rituals and routines, this became a standard habit.

This change from secular to sacred may have occurred by chance when culture penetrated the church, or it may have been intentional because the church used mythological imagery as an allegory. In any case, medieval labyrinths were Christian in nature. In medieval texts, a priest walked the labyrinth and threw a yellow woolen ball to parishioners dancing and shouting “Praises to the Easter Victim.”

Today, a Christian church might choose to continue this long-standing tradition. Using the labyrinth for prayer, worship, and spiritual growth is a personal choice. On the other hand, Christians who include the maze in their spiritual walk will be in excellent company both historically and today.

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Accept This Invitation

You will soon be blessed with prophetic understanding and power. Connect with us for a personal prophecy. This is your opportunity to receive a prophetic message tailored to your life’s current stage.

Join our LIVE Conference Call!

1) Call 515-604-9266

2) Go to startmeeting.com, and use the login: BishopJordan