matterofprayer blog post for Sunday, September 28, 2014
labyrinth, St. John’s Convent in Toronto
Prayer—and Walking the Labyrinth
I want to walk the labyrinth. I am feeling that, inside of me, more and more.
Some readers may know what the labyrinth is. (That’s great! I am so glad you do. I love to walk, from time to time, too!) I know I’ve talked about the labyrinth here before, but not for a number of months. I know many people are acquainted with many different methods of prayer, and approaches to God, and the labyrinth is another one of these. An innovative one, and at the same time, one that does not appeal to exactly everyone in the Christian community. But that’s okay.
The weather has been simply gorgeous here in the Chicago area for the past week. The forecast is for continued beautiful weather for the next number of days. Absolutely glorious for the last few days of September. But—I see gray days ahead as October approaches. With the coming of autumn, and cooler weather, the days will become shorter. Harvest time is now here, and will continue during the next weeks. And the year will continue to wind down to its close.
Reminds me of the labyrinth. The journey through life, through a place of waiting. A place of almost there, and of not quite yet. A journey of change—like the changing seasons. Yet, entering and exiting the labyrinth is like entering and exiting that journey of prayer and meditation, a journey of waxing and waning in life.
Yes, the weather may be absolutely gorgeous right now, in the last days of September. As October passes and November arrives, the weather will become more changeable. More blustery, wet, even unpleasant. Yet, the outdoor labyrinth I walk from time to time remains. It waits, quiet and expectant. Ready for those who wish to enter. Walk. Experience. Pray. Meditate. No matter what the weather is like. No matter what my experience with that time or place of waiting. Journey of change, of waxing and waning. Journey within myself. God willing, I’ll go to walk again, soon.
Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for giving us the labyrinth to walk. Thank You for the joy of prayer and meditation with You—and if the labyrinth helps me concentrate on You, on occasion, that’s great! I praise You for drawing me—and so many others—close to You. Thank You for this journey I’ve embarked on. Help me, and help so many others, to walk close to You. Lord, in Your mercy and grace, hear our prayers.
(also published at www.matterofprayer.net
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