Dayspring's Labyrinth

“And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.””
— Isaiah 30:21

A labyrinth is a single winding path from the entrance to the center and back again. There are no tricks or decisions to be made. Instead, it is an invitation to surrender to the sacred path being offered.   The path winds around, taking us here and there, reflecting our spiritual journeys.

Early Christian labyrinths date back to the 4th century. They became more prominent throughout the Middle Ages. Traveling to a cathedral and walking its labyrinth was a way to practice pilgrimage in a time when travel to Jerusalem was dangerous. 

Guidelines for the walk:

Walking the Labyrinth is a form of body prayer, of walking meditation.  As you approach the entrance, take a moment to stop, quiet your mind and become aware of your breath. Before you begin, take a moment to offer this time to God.

The labyrinth is generally thought of in three stages:

  • Release (Purgation) ~ Walking the path inward is a time of releasing, a letting go of the details of your life, of worries, of things to do. Surrender them to God. This is a time to open the heart and quiet the mind.
  • Receive/Rest (Illumination) ~ When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. For many the center symbolizes the heart of God. Receive what is there for you to receive.
  • Return (Union) ~ As you leave, follow the same path out of the center as you did coming in. The walk out takes us back into our lives empowered by the Spirit, to join God at work in the world.

Our Labyrinth is open to the public for individual use at any time. If you'd like to bring a group to walk the labyrinth, we are more than happy to host you. Please contact the office and let us know.