An Indoor Labyrinth
Calvary has a wonderful indoor labyrinth. On Sundays it’s often taken over by the kids who play on and around it. At other times it is a peaceful place where members of our community can be seen walking in thought and prayer. Or just simply relaxing.
How to Walk
Although there is no single way to walk a labyrinth, there are several ways one can approach walking the path: to review your life’s journey–as if each twist or turn is symbolic of events, growth, change or plateau in your life; as a temporary retreat into complete silence; or as a way to quiet the mind, then allow it to be open to any worlds, images or feelings that may come to you.
When you arrive at Calvary to walk the labyrinth, you are welcome to read and keep one of our brief pamphlets, which provides some helpful guidance for your journey.
History
Labyrinths can be traced back 3,500 years to different cultures and times–in places such as Crete, Scandinavia, Egypt, India and Sumatra. They are found in many faiths, and have both sacred and secular expressions.
Christian labyrinths date from the seventh century and are a feature of many cathedrals (including San Francisco’s own Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill). Calvary’s own labyrinth was dedicated in the summer of 2008, and is located in the lower level of the sanctuary.
A Tool for Prayer
Much more than a decoration, labyrinths are tools for prayer, meditation, reflection and spiritual journey. The labyrinth is a prayer meditation aid to help us slow down and gain new understanding of who we are and our place in God’s world. Walking a labyrinth is an incarnational way of praying our confessions and receiving God’s forgiveness.
And, it is another way of praying with scripture while receiving new insight and wisdom.