The Blessing and Dedication of The St. Alban's Labyrinth September 10, 2000 A Path of Grace...A Sacred Place Scroll over the thumbnails above to see a larger image of each photo below. Hold your cursor over either image for caption. Prayer My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself; and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Thoughts in Solitude - Thomas Merton History Evidence of labyrinths has been found amongst the earliest Mediterranean and northern European civilizations, as well as in other cultures worldwide since 2500 B.C. Its circular geometry appears to be an almost universal archetype. The best known Christian labyrinth is located in Chartres Cathedral. It is upon this 11-circuit design that St. Alban's labyrinth is modeled. A labyrinth has a single path that winds into the center. The same path leads out. Thus, it resembles the indirect path of our lives, which leads us sometimes into the center of the human condition, sometimes into the heart and mind of God, sometimes into the very core of illness or pain, sometimes into the focal point of enlightenment or understanding. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is not a puzzle; it is a path to be walked. The way in is the way out. Why Walk a Labyrinth? Walking into a labyrinth is a symbol of entering into something, learning what is there to learn, and then moving on with life. A labyrinth walk can represent a life journey, a pilgrimage to a sacred place, or a prayer bringing us to God. It can be a way of intentionally and reflectively facing a problem or issue. Sometimes you may walk the labyrinth looking for an answer. You may walk simply to be open to what comes. A labyrinth walk is a spiritual and personal journey, and therefore it is a sacred path. Guidelines As you enter the labyrinth, "walk in love." Clear your mind by trying to shed the details of your life, with all their thoughts and feelings. Follow the gray stone path with an open mind and an open heart. There are no rules about walking fast or slow. Let your body assume the pace it wants. Breathe naturally, but be aware of your breath. It is acceptable to pass others, or let them pass you on the path. Although is is not important to stay exactly within the lines, do try to be aware of the path itself, because it is your path, a mirror for where you are in life. When you reach the center, remain as long as you wish. "Be still, and know that I am God." The center is the place of meditation and prayer. As you retrace your steps, "Go in peace." You are returning, with fresh understanding and insights, to the world. Explore and pray with the images you have received.