Labyrinth at St John’s
Welcome to St John’s Church Beckenham
Whether you're visiting, exploring faith, returning to church or looking for a place to call home,
you're so welcome.
We really look forward to getting to know you!
A Self Guided Labyrinth
13th-20th April for Easter
The labyrinth is self guided and for those who might like a booklet or to do a labyrinth at home
please download a booklet here.
DOWNLOAD BOOKLET
Guide
This year our focus for Easter Week is a ‘labyrinth’ that we’re creating on the grass at St John’s Church Beckenham.
Labyrinths are one of the oldest spiritual tools known to humankind, dating back at least 4000 years. They became identified with the Christian church in Europe around 350 A.D. In the Middle Ages it is believed that walking the labyrinth was often used as a form of pilgrimage for those who couldn’t afford the time, or the money, to make the journey to the Holy Land. That makes the labyrinth the perfect tool for ‘stay at home’ pilgrims like us!
The Labyrinth is not a maze and is not intended to trick or confuse you. There is no ‘right’ way to walk the Labyrinth, though typically you start at the entrance, follow the path to the centre, and then follow the same path out. In its simplest form a labyrinth walk is used as a meditation. Many churches create a labyrinth during Lent and Holy Week as a meditative walk toward the Cross – perhaps as an alternative to Stations of the Cross.
People walk the labyrinth for many reasons, including curiosity. Some people begin walking and then discover their reasons along the way. You might choose to walk the labyrinth for prayer and discernment, self-reflection, mindfulness meditation, healing and wholeness.
For Christians, the labyrinth is used to depict pilgrimage and journey into God; but its’ symbolism and meaning transcend religious and non-religious boundaries. We hope that people in our parish and community will also be drawn to walk the labyrinth. The beauty of this symbol is that it can mean different things to different people - although our prayer is that people will find God as they follow this path.
The Labyrinth is suitable for people of all ages and at all stages of faith.
We hope that these different tools will help everyone to find and experience God in a new way.
How do I use the labyrinth?
The labyrinth is set up in the grass at St John’s. It is free for anyone to use at anytime.
Below are some suggestions on how to use it. There are four stages to walking the labyrinth:
Reflecting
Before walking the labyrinth, pick up a stone. Jesus said: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Think about whether there’s anything that’s weighing you down? Or is there a question that’s weighing on your mind?
Releasing
Carry your stone as you walk to the centre of the labyrinth. This is the time to quiet the mind and release your troubles. Be open to whatever thoughts or feelings bubble up. Take slow breaths. Relax and move at your own pace.
Receiving
The centre is a place of reflection. Pause and stay as long as you like. Be open to God; listen to that small inner voice. Be honest with yourself. Rest.
Returning
As you prepare to retrace your steps, place your stone at the foot of the cross. As you walk, think about what God is inviting you to do or be. Be aware of God’s presence with you.
Guidelines for the walk
There is no single ‘right’ way to pray a labyrinth. Praying in whatever way helps you connect with God during the labyrinth is the ‘right’ way and serves as the best guide possible. Walk the labyrinth with an open mind and an open heart.
Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. Since the path is two-way, those going in may meet those coming out. You may ‘pass’ people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural.
Every labyrinth experience is different. You may feel nothing or have a powerful reaction. Don’t over analyse it!
Other approaches to the walk may include...
Listening for God’s voice or message to you
Intercessory walks - offering prayer for people or needs
Meditative walks - meditating on a specific word or passage from the Bible
A conversation with God
Confession and forgiveness - letting go of past mistakes and forgiving yourself
Discovering your vocation or calling
A walk of thanksgiving and gratitude
A way to release grief
and finally…
If you found the labyrinth helpful and would like to know more about St John's Church, please do message us and one of us will get back to you.
We really look forward to getting to know you!
St John’s Church Beckenham
251 Eden Park Avenue | Beckenham | BR3 3JN
Email: office@stjohnsbeckenham.org
Phone: 020 8650 3515
