Spiritual Practice: The Labyrinth

Prayer to accompany pilgrim along the labyrinth:

Do not hurry

As you walk with grief

It does not help the journey

Walk slowly, pausing often

Do not hurry as you walk with grief

Be not disturbed

By memories that come unbidden

Swiftly forgive

And let Christ speak for you

Unspoken words

Unfinished conversation

Will be resolved in Him

Be not disturbed

Be gentle with the one

Who walks with grief

If it is you,

Be gentle with yourself

Swiftly forgive

Walk slowly, pausing often

Take time, be gentle

As you walk with grief

Center yourself, breath and orbit the outside of the labyrinth

Use your non-dominant hand, light touch

Take it slow

Pause along the way and in the Center for prayer/meditation

Try another finger

Orbit the Labyrinth at the end also; Prayer of gratitude

Experience your experience, Don’t try to copy another’s experience

Practice Non-Judgement

- adapted from A Celtic Daily Prayer

Consider these reflections:

• What feelings did you experience?

• What thoughts came to heart and mind as you approached the center?

• Describe your time being in the center?

• What message (s) did you take with you as you walked away?

Closing prayer:

Gracious God,

Send your peace into our hearts, O God, that we may be content with your mercies and confident of your protection for this day.

We give into your hands our unfinished tasks, our unsolved problems, and our unfinished hopes.

We offer our thanks that for our loved ones who have gone

We offer our thanks that for our loved ones who have gone before us, there is no night for

they stand in your perpetual light.

We offer our prayer in all the names of God.

Amen.

This prayer and reflection was offered originally by Susan Ingle for a Retreat House Interfaith Prayer gathering. Susan is a Host Liaison and Administrator for Faith and Grief Ministries, a partner of Retreat House. You can learn more here.