Church Street's Labyrinth
Our Path of Prayer
"...Come let us walk in the light of the Lord!" (Isaiah 2:5)
For information about the Labyrinth Ministry at Church Street, please contact Sue Isbell via email or phone at (865) 521-0282.
Church Street's Labyrinth
The Church Street Labyrinth is a 7-circuit design adapted from the traditional 11-circuit labyrinth found at Chartres Cathedral in France. Our Labyrinth offers you the opportunity for solace in the midst of a hurried and noisy life. At Church Street, our labyrinth is available to walk on at special times during the year.
What is a Labyrinth?
A labyrinth is an enclosed path having only one route that winds towards a center point where it makes a decisive turn to wander out again. Unlike a maze, there are not tricks or dead ends in a labyrinth. If you stay on the path as you enter, you will get to the center and back to where you began.
Walking the Labyrinth
Enter into the experience of walking the labyrinth with an attitude of stillness and anticipation. Put your problems and concerns aside and connect with your mind, body and soul to enjoy a time of quiet prayer and meditation. Be aware of your feelings and invite the Holy Spirit to be your guide.
Walk at a pace that is comfortable for you. In this sacred space, you may tarry in prayer and meditation as long as you desire. As you walk the labyrinth, be present and remain open to the Holy Spirit working within your heart. When meeting others along the labyrinth, simply step aside allowing them to pass, then continue your walk on the path. Those going in will meet those coming out.
The path leads to the center, where you may remain in the six-petaled rosette to pray, journal or rest. As you return from the center to the quiet surrounding the labyrinth, reflect upon your journey knowing that people of all ages experience comfort and spiritual growth during their walks.
History of the Labyrinth
More than 25 centuries ago, early cultures around the Mediterranean Sea created a circular design that captured the concept of unity. Slowly with the passing of time, this geometric design evolved into what is more easily identified today as a labyrinth.
Early Christians, desiring to express their faith in prayer, adopted the labyrinth. Walking its circular path to the center symbolized a way to Christ. When the Crusades of the 11th century made pilgrimages to Jerusalem nearly impossible, churches in Europe then encouraged the use of the labyrinth as a substitute for the pilgrimage.
In our post-modern era, this sacred archetype is found worldwide in churches, hospitals, museums, parks and corporate buildings.