Church introduces labyrinth during Lenten season
NEW ALBANY, Ind. (AP) - The cloth labyrinth was laid out near the doors of New Albany's Centenary United Methodist Church, surrounded by lit candles and soothing music. That is where it will stay through the season of Lent.
The three people walking the labyrinth on this winter afternoon seemed deep in thought and prayer, forgetting about their worries and the hustle and bustle just a few feet beyond the church doors.
"Life is like a journey, it has a lot of twist and turns," said church member Bobbie Baird. "You can feel the release of some of your cares as you walk."
Some walk the prayer labyrinth in minutes, while others take much longer. You can take as long as you want to get to the center, which some call Little Jerusalem or the hands of God.
While the labyrinth is new to Centenary, the oldest one dates back to 2,500 B.C. It has roots in the Catholic church, but is used by all denominations and in the secular world.
Labyrinths come in all shapes but most, like the cloth one at Centenary, have the classic seven circuit design. It is not a maze and is designed for easy navigation. A labyrinth is used to facilitate prayer and meditation.
One of the most famous labyrinths is located in the cathedral of Chartres, France. Centenary Pastor The Rev. Harriett Akins-Banman has studied in Chartres and has become an expert on labyrinths. She has labyrinths of all different sizes in her office and the church, including the one laid out in the sanctuary. Several are small enough to he held, and there is one with ridges for those who are visually impaired to take their journey using a finger.
She said as a way for her congregation, and others, to get closer to God and their faith, she introduced them to the labyrinth. The response, she said, has been positive.
"It appeals to people of all ages," she said. "The children can't wait to walk it."
Some pray while walking while others meditate or recite scripture. There are no rules, except to be quiet and respectful to others.
"It's worship, and it can be an emotional experience ... how might that path carry you through situations in life," Akins-Banman said. "You just follow the path and it will lead you to the center."
Akins-Banman helped construct a labyrinth at a school in Little Rock, Ark., and has been fascinated with the history of the labyrinth. She said they are making a comeback in religious and secular settings.
She said after the labyrinth was constructed at the Little Rock school, a little girl began walking it but could not get past the first circuit. She tried again, but after 10 minutes began crying. She told her counselor and Akins-Banman that the police had taken her dad away and she did not know where she was going to live.
"It was just so powerful," Akins-Banman said. "The school used it (labyrinth) to help kids. If a bully would pick on another child, the teacher would have the bully and child walk the labyrinth together. It can be a powerful tool."
Akins-Banman said she incorporates labyrinth teaching in her weekly message. She encourages church members of all ages to take the journey. Centenary is open through the week for anyone to walk the labyrinth. You don't have to be a member of the church to walk.
"It's another way to pray," Baird said. "It's very spiritual. You can feel the presence of your God. You can stop at anytime and pray."
When finishing the journey and making it to the center, some remain there to pray or meditate.
"You are on your own time," Akins-Banman said. "Some people walk it in minutes while others take an hour or more."
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Source: http://bit.ly/1QxStFB
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Information from: News and Tribune, Jeffersonville, Ind., http://www.newsandtribune.com