The Labyrinth is a prayer and meditation aid. Many of us lead busy, stressful lives and performing a simple action like walking a pathway helps to prepare ourselves to pray and listen to God.
Labyrinths were a feature of many medieval cathedrals, most famously in Chartres Cathedral in France dating from 1220, although people had been making labyrinths long before this. Unlike a maze there are no dead ends and there is only one path so you cannot get lost.
Walking the Labyrinth
There is no set way to walk a labyrinth. Everyone can walk it in the way that has meaning for them.
Labyrinths have been used for thousands of years to help people forget the hassles of their everyday lives and draw closer to God. As you wind your way round, approaching the centre, you gradually offload the pressures of the day. You can also view it as an allegory of your life, sometimes appearing to be close to God, only to be thrown out to the edge suddenly; or perhaps you find yourself walking in sympathy with others, and at other times at a distance from them.
The journey begins.
The first stage of the journey is letting go — giving all the details of your life to God.
The second stage is receiving whatever God wishes to give you in the center.
The third stage is going back into the world and bringing the light of God with you. You can pause at the center to rest in God’s presence for as long as you like.
You may walk at your own pace and pause as you wish. You might imagine yourself walking with Jesus and listening to what he would have to say to you. Enjoy God’s presence and be open to God’s love for you.
Labyrinth at St. Stephen’s
On the west side of our church is a permanent labyrinth offered as a public space for meditation and prayer. The 49 foot diameter labyrinth has grass paths outlined by paving bricks set in the lawn. During the summers of 2000 and 2001 several members planned and constructed the labyrinth placing 2000 bricks. On Sunday, October 14th, 2001 we blessed, celebrated and dedicated the labyrinth with prayers, music, and food.
Renovation and Upkeep . . .
Over the years, the brick borders of the labyrinth sunk and grass was growing over the borders in many places.
In August of 2020, the labyrinth was completely renovated. The brick borders were raised and crushed concrete was placed between the borders, creating a more permanent labyrinth that was easier to walk.
On September 13, 2020, the renovated labyrinth was re-dedicated and blessed.
If you are interested in helping to contribute to future upkeep, please consider making a donation through our website’s Paypal link
Labyrinth Web Sites
There are a number of interesting web sites about the use, history, and construction of labyrinths. The following are some interesting sites:
Grace Cathedral – San Francisco, congregation where Laureen Artress, Honorary Canon, was serving when she rediscovered the labyrinth.
Veritas – offers education and training around the labyrinth as a personal practice of healing and growth.
The Labyrinth Society – support of those who create, maintain and use labyrinths. Includes link to the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator, where you search for labyrinths, including ours.
The St. Louis Labyrinth Project – the site where our canvas labyrinth was purchased and a great source for ideas and aids for labyrinth construction.
