My encounter with God on the labyrinth started over ten years ago walking labyrinths while on annual retreat. I was drawn to the slow pace to which the pathway lends itself and to long rests sitting in the center praying. Several years ago, I was involved in the installation of a permanent labyrinth at St. Patrick in Edina and began walking more often as a spiritual practice – a way of slowing down during my busy life to put myself in a better space to listen to what God has to say to me that day. That led me to taking a course on labyrinths when I was living in northern California and becoming a certified labyrinth facilitator. Now the labyrinth is a central component of my spiritual practice, a strong metaphor for the pilgrimage and spiritual journey of my life as a Christian.
 
Labyrinths have been in use as a form of prayer and meditation dating back 3,000-4,000 years. In Christianity, the oldest known labyrinth to have been walked was in Algeria in 324 CE.  In modern times, there has been renewed energy in this ancient form of prayer as we attempt to re-connect mind, body and spirit.
 
[I invite you to join me during Lent and Triduum to walk this pathway of prayer. The contemplative candlelit walk will be held on a “modified Chartres” seven circuit labyrinth canvas. You will be invited to walk at your own pace. This Lent try something new – a time of walking prayer for your Encounter with God.]

“Stand at the crossroads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way lies;
and walk in it,
and find rest for  your souls.”
 
                         Jeremiah 6:16