New Life Church

You are invited to walk our Outdoor Labyrinth

Our Outdoor Labyrinth is nestled in the center of our Outdoor Prayer Garden and is located about one hundred yards to the right as you turn off Cottage Grove Road into our driveway at New Life Church. It is a walking labyrinth modeled after the Chartes Cathedral Labyrinth in France.This style was used by early Christians to symbolize a pilgrimage to the Holy Land when political oppression did not afford safe travel.Today it is symbolic of our own spiritual journey to know God more deeply, a tool to enter into prayer and meditation. Labyrinths are not mazes but have a clear entrance path and exit.

Our labyrinth is level, made of recessed brick edging with crushed granite paths. The labyrinth is not lit at night, other than lighting from the adjoining parking lot. It is self-guided, and open to everyone, at any time. Please access the garden through one of the two entrances. You do not need permission to walk unless you have a large group. Children are welcome with adult supervision. Please respect the contemplative environment when others are walking.

Tips for Walking the Labyrinth

One walks a labyrinth by stepping into the entrance and walking at a pace that is comfortable. After traveling through all the paths, the walker comes to the center. After a time there, the walker returns out to cover the same path out as in. If others are walking just step aside to allow one another to pass and continue on. Allow at least a half hour to walk the path.

There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Because you are walking, the mind is quieted. Labyrinth walks are sometimes referred to as body prayer or walking meditation.

The entrance is a place to stop, reflect, make prayer or intention for the spiritual walk you are about to take. The walk to the center can be a letting go – a quieting of the thoughts, worries, and lists of tasks to do. It is a preparation of our hearts before God. Arrival at the center is a place of prayer, meditation on scripture and listening – simply being with God. There is a bench in the center to sit or you could stand, sit, kneel etc. When ready, the walk out takes us back into our lives. It symbolizes the spiritual journey as we receive God’s grace and direction and become outward expressions of Christ dwelling within us to the world. We are empowered by God’s Holy Spirit to transform our lives and actions.

We also have a portable Indoor Canvas Labyrinth that is available to walk when set up for various scheduled times and events. Please refer to Calendar of Events for any upcoming Indoor Labyrinth Walks or contact the church office at 223-9337.