“We’re the labyrinth for insomniacs and night workers.” -- Elizabeth Carl (former interim rector)
History
The Prayer Labyrinth was adopted by the European Church during medieval times as a means to meditate, pray and connect with God. Numerous cathedrals in Europe have prayer labyrinths embedded into their floors, the most famous being located in the Cathedral of Chartres (Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral), located near Paris. Prayer Labyrinths were often viewed and modeled as a journey to Jerusalem and were even called Chemin de Jerusalem (Road of Jerusalem) serving as a spiritual pilgrimage for those who could not afford to travel to Jerusalem.
By the 17th and 18th centuries however, Prayer Labyrinths had lost much of their spiritual meaning, with some clergy and other believers associating them with pagan practices.
An increased interest in all things medieval in the 19th century and enthusiasm for a more reflective and meditative prayer in the 20th century has led to a modern resurgence in the ancient art of labyrinths. With walking the Prayer Labyrinth becoming popular again in contemporary Christianity, many Christian denominations from across the theological spectrum are again adopting the practice, with some churches opening their labyrinths to any pilgrim in need of contemplation and prayer.
The National Cathedral, here in DC, hosts labyrinth walks from 6 to 9 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month. St. Luke's Episcopal Church and the Church of the Epiphany in DC, both have labyrinths as well. St. Thomas’ Labyrinth is truly “open to all”. Set on a street corner, this labyrinth is open all hours of the day and night prompting our former interim rector, Elizabeth Carl to state that “we’re the labyrinth for insomniacs and night workers.”
About the Labyrinth
The Prayer Labyrinth is not a maze because it has only one path on which one cannot get lost. There are no tricks or dead ends. St. Thomas’ Labyrinth is modeled on the classical seven circuit Labyrinth, meaning that the path moves around the center seven times. The four quadrants of this pattern is reminiscent of the cross. You enter the labyrinth through the mouth and then walk the paths or circuits. The path is marked by smooth river rocks. The goal is in the center of the labyrinth. When you reach it, you have gone half the distance – you now need to turn around and walk back out. While walking the circuitous path, you will meander through each of the four quadrants before reaching the goal. An expectation is created as to when the center will be reached.
Walking the Labyrinth
Feel free to walk the labyrinth at your own pace and stop for prayer and meditation as needed. Walk it with an open mind and an open heart. There are three stages of the walk:
- Purgation (Releasing) ~ A releasing, a letting go of the details of your life. This is the act of shedding thoughts and distractions. A time to open the heart and quiet the mind.
- Illumination (Receiving) ~ When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive.
- Union (Returning) ~ As you leave, following the same path out of the center as you came in, you enter the third stage, which is joining God, your Higher Power, or the healing forces at work in the world. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work you feel your soul reaching for.
Guidelines for the walk: Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. The path is two ways. Those going in will meet those coming out. You may "pass" people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural.
» Take a virtual walk of our labyrinth.
» Learn more about labyrinths.