Journey through the Labyrinth
At St Alban's Church, cut into the grass outside, you can find a Labyrinth. The text below describes how you could use the Labyrinth. You may also wish to read and print the cards that can can be used while you walk.
One way to use the labyrinth is to think of it as a journey inwards, then pausing in ‘holy space’, before following the outward path. The paragraphs that follow are from the website www.labyrinth.org.uk which was created in conjunction with a temporary labyrinth at St Paul’s cathedral in 2000, and contains a lot more information about labyrinths.
Inward Journey
You are on a journey, a journey towards the light that is God.
A journey towards the centre of the labyrinth. And out again.
A journey towards God. And out again. A journey of receiving...and then giving. Walk with expectancy.
As you journey, reflect on what you see, hear, think. Expect to discover the wonderful, the fantastic.
Open your eyes wide, use your senses - this is no senseless journey.
Breathe deeply. Relax. Don't rush; savour the moment. Be aware of others - we are travelling together. And focus on moving Godwards. As you move towards the centre of the labyrinth confess and let go of things that hinder your relationship with God. Shed images or projections of yourself so that you can be real with God.
Let go of what other people think you should be, their expectations of you, their projections. As you journey unmask yourself, peel away the layers - grow by subtraction. Prepare your inner self - the you of you - to meet with God.
Holy Space
This is holy space
God is here - you are welcome
This is your space to be with God
And God's space to be with you
Make yourself at home
Be yourself
Be real
There's no rush
Let God love you
Let God know you
Let God heal you
Let God speak to you
Receive from God
Commune with God
Feed on God
Outward Journey
As you journey out of the labyrinth take your encounter with God with you.
Reflect on how this encounter might affect or change you.
John says that God became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood - think about how you might allow God to be made flesh in your life and in your neighbourhood.
Freely, freely you have received. Freely, freely give...
Take: eat. Take: out.
As we meet with God and receive, think about taking the light out into the world.
And about what it might illuminate.
Even if you are only a bright spark, kindle. Kindle the life and the light you received from the heart of the Son. You might even get fired up.
You might blaze a trail, stand up for others, seek out injustice, protest on behalf of the innocent, carry a torch for the unloved, demonstrate for love. Demonstrate love itself.
