“This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. . .” (Jeremiah 6:16)
The ancient paths of labyrinths offer us a time-honored way to seek the Lord. And we can do this anywhere -- we can let our fingers do the walking in a finger labyrinth, like this labyrinth from the Archbishop of York.
This is your time to seek and rest in the Lord. In a labyrinth, there is only one way in and one way out. Relax. Let the Lord guide you, resting in the knowledge that we walk with God in all the twists and turns of life.
We can say with the Psalmist, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
Thank you, Lord of Grace. Amen.
Suggestions for using a finger labyrinth
1. Walking provides a natural rhythm, so when your fingers do the walking, use your breath as a rhythm.
2. Begin by tracing the outside of the labyrinth, and pause at the entrance. Pray for God to guide you and your walk. You may want to meditate on a favorite Bible verse.
3. As you enter the labyrinth, consider the following three stages adapted from the Centre for Spirituality: releasing (path to the centre), receiving and listening to God (at the centre) and returning (path back from the centre).
The Path to the Centre – Releasing, Letting Go (Purgation) Place a finger from your non-dominant hand at the entrance to the labyrinth . . . As you trace the circuitous path of the labyrinth, stay open to whatever arises: feelings, sensations, memories, images, intuitions . . . perhaps what you need to release, let go of in life.
At the Centre – Receiving (Illumination) A place of meditation and prayer, waiting and listening. Be still. The centre is a place to pause for a while. Approach the centre with an open mind and heart, ready to receive from God whatever you need . . .
The Walk Back – Return, Integration (Union) As you trace the return path and the walk back out you are entering the stage of Union or Communion. We realise that we are the hands of God; we are invited to embody the gifts of the Spirit in our daily life . . . gaining strength and integrating whatever we have received . . .
Sources:
Centre for Spirituality. Original version: https://centreforspirituality.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Finger-Labyrinth-Meditation-Guide.pdf
Faith in the North Finger Labyrinth. https://www.archbishopofyork.org/faith-in-the-north/labyrinth
Music for a Labyrinth Walk by Australian composer Corrina Bonshek. http://bonmusic.com.au/lab/
Veriditas. Information on labyrinths; links to videos, including one on hand-held labyrinths. https://veriditas.org/