Sacred space, holy time

Students introduced to prayer labyrinth experience

January 28, 2015 | Focus On | Number 3
By Lorie Williams | Rockway Mennonite Collegiate
Kitchener, Ont.
Grade 10 church history students at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener, Ont., had the unique opportunity of experiencing a prayer labyrinth last December.

On Dec. 13, 2014, Grade 10 church history students had the unique opportunity of experiencing a prayer labyrinth.

Patricia Horst Wagler, a pastor and trained labyrinth facilitator, led students and staff in exploring the history of the labyrinth as a Christian tool for prayer. She explained the meaning and symbolism of the shape and various features of the labyrinth, and the benefits for many of an active, physical way to pray. She described walking the labyrinth as a way to focus the mind and give insight into one’s life and spiritual journey.

She then invited students to walk the labyrinth in silence. While this was a new experience for many students, they respected the silence, took their time and reflected thoughtfully on this experience of active prayer. Some found it a bit weird! Some found it calming, some noticed it helped them find clarity with a problem or decision, and some liked the way they could use their whole body to connect with God.

An open invitation was extended to anyone else who wanted to walk the labyrinth during their spare or at lunch during Friday’s “sabbath space.”

—Posted Jan. 28, 2015

Grade 10 church history students at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener, Ont., had the unique opportunity of experiencing a prayer labyrinth last December.

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