Labyrinths are meditation tools that have been used for centuries by many societies and cultures. There are different types, but they have things in common. Unlike a maze, there is only one way into the centre, and one way out. The path of the labyrinth often symbolizes a journey. Some are large enough to physically walk. This “finger labyrinth” (you “walk” the labyrinth with your finger) can help us focus, slow down and become more relaxed.
We encourage you to use this labyrinth as a way to focus in this tumultuous time.
Download and print the image and follow it with your finger.
Steps:
- Sit comfortably, be still and gently pray: “I place myself in your presence O Lord, my God.“
- Take some deep breaths, to help bring focus and to relax.
- Read a poem, mediation, or scripture verse that you would like to focus on for your “walk”.
There is a suggestion at the bottom of this post. - When you are ready… slowly trace the labyrinth path with a finger, use a finger on the hand that you do not write with – this is a way of helping us focus (you can also use a pen or pencil). Just as you might walk a labyrinth, you can take the tracing at your own speed. Let your thoughts come to the surface and let them flow… Jesus is with you every step of the way, you are never alone. You are always loved by God.
- When you reach the centre… consider your thoughts (what do you sense God saying to you)… you might want to reread part of what you read at the beginning. Stay in the centre for a while and spend some time in prayer and reflection receiving God’s love and blessing.
- When you are ready… return along the same path… return gratefully, prayerfully … you might like to sing or say aloud a line from the psalms or a favourite hymn.
- As you exit the labyrinth give thanks and praise to God: “Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was, in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.“
Matthew 28:1-10
“Do not be afraid …” (vv.5, 10)
Have you noticed how many times in the Bible people are told not to be afraid? It is said so often that it almost becomes a refrain. What is interesting in this passage is that the guards are absolutely terrified, so much so that they fall down apparently senseless, but they are not the ones who are told not to fear. Instead, it is the women. The angel says to the women twice “Do not be afraid.”
The reason for this is because God, as well as being all-loving, is also all-holy. God is so far beyond our imaginings that when people encounter him – or even just his angels – the appropriate response is fear.
I think we sometimes misread these encouragements not to be afraid. They are not saying that there is no need to be afraid, but that God invites you to step beyond your fear into a new relationship. If we lose all aspects of awe and wonder, then we are in danger of not treating God as God. God generously and lovingly invites us not to fear, but he is still a great and wonderful God.
As you “walk” the labyrinth today, invite God to reveal who he is and enter into responding to him… in appropriate fear and wonder, followed by worship and service.