Prayer Labyrinth @ QBC

Dr R talked about the `higher self’ – the spiritual (actualized) self in some of us. To help achieve it, I believe Dr M Mahoney’s centering exercises certainly steer one to recover a sense of meaningful order and to maintain it. The feeling of being in a safe base irrespective of where we are can be derived from exercises that emphasize on breathing, bodily balance, and meditation.

The Prayer Labyrinth set up in church recently provided me the opportunity to exercise what I learnt in module one about the art of `being’.

Labyrinths are found in many cultures dating back as much as 3,500 years. The Labyrinth has appeared as a form of sacred wisdom. Its patterns are said to express an archetypal in the shape of a mandala. Although its origins are unknown, the Labyrinth was used in Europe by medieval Christians and pilgrims to replace the longer journey to Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Historically Christian pilgrims walked a symbolic spiritual journey to and through Jerusalem, following the footsteps of Jesus. By walking the Labyrinth they experienced that journey metaphorically.

Walking through the Labyrinth was simply being in deep meditative and symbolic discipline of setting one foot in front of another, paying attention to the body, the wisdom of the heart and the graces of `being’ rather than `doing’.

Walking the Prayer Labyrinth fulfilled 6 important contemporary needs:

σ Deepening spirituality
σ Inwardness and connection to the soul
σ Access to intuition and creativity
σ Simplicity
σ Integration of body and spirit
σ Intimacy and community

The prayer journey was divided into 3 rooms:

σ The Majesty Room
σ The Grace Room
σ The Faith Room



After unloaded my `physical baggage’ (handbag etc), I took a deep breath and began the journey. I did not feel rushed, set my own pace and listened to my breath. I meditated on specific word or passage, prayed, honoring the sacred sense within myself.

I was led to meditate on God’s creation of the universe, mankind and specifically me. I was reminded that God has left His fingerprints on me. I am precious and special in God’s heart.

The Labyrinth was a sacred space and I felt safe to process my emotions and be open to new insight. My emotions grew intense at one point and I found myself sobbing my heart out. I felt a surge of cleansing power running through me, as if God was addressing the very wound and hurt that was deep inside me.

I was reminded of His saving grace. He may be silent but He is still watching over me in that `silent’ space. Am I willing to let God’s silence do His work in my life? Silence does not mean nothing is happening. Like the way the seed grows, things are happening in ways that we cannot see. I may not see His hands at work but He is in control. God asked, `Child, are you wiling to move beyond trusting Me for what I can do, to just trusting in Me? Trust that I am good and my intentions are always favourable to you, even when it is not what you expect?’

As I left the Labyrinth, the lyrics of `He who began a good work in you’ strengthened me further.

“He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.
If the struggle you’re facing is slowly replacing your hope with despair,
Or the process is long, and you’re losing your song in the night,
You can be sure that the Lord has his hand on you.
Safe and secure, he will never abandon you.”