Purpose of Labyrinth
The purpose of the labyrinth is
spiritual renewal. Unlike a maze there are no dead ends or high hedges.
Along its single pathway there are many turns. You can walk at a pace to
suit you and take time in the centre where you will find an open sided
summerhouse to sit and reflect. Some walk into the centre concentrating on
praise to God, and walk out praying for others.
Some see the process as
one of releasing whatever is on your heart to God, receiving from him before
returning to the world
In Christian tradition a labyrinth is simply a place to walk and pray.
There is nothing mystical about it. It simply gives freedom to focus on God
without getting lost.
Story behind our labyrinth
We have been blessed in
having the labyrinth here designed by Jeff Saward, a leading historian of
labyrinths. He writes of priests walking a floor labyrinth such as the one
in Chartres Cathedral, perhaps the most famous, to celebrate the Easter
pattern of death and resurrection.
When you come we will offer you some thoughts on how
you might want to use the labyrinth as well as a booklet on meditations
around the grounds.
Labyrinth walking guides
We
have prepared laminated guides to help you find purpose as you walk the
labyrinth and reflect on the inscriptions in each of the corner rest zones
or reflecting on the message painted onto the wall cladding – “You shall go
out with joy…. And the trees of the field shall clap their hands”