You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. – Psalms 16:10

Today before I journeyed home, I stopped at the Arkansas Prayer House. This interfaith sanctuary has space inside and out for quiet meditation. It is nestled in the rocky hilltops/mountains in Little Rock. As I walked up the path to the Labyrinth I walked in quiet contemplation, listening to the birds in the trees and the wind flowing through the top of the tall pines and other trees in the area. I felt the warmth of the sunshine and the coolness of the breeze on my skin. I was reminded what an awesome Creator we have. One couldn’t help but feel the presence of God in this place.

Labyrinths are not unique to Christians; however, like many others we can walk them to deepen our spiritual journey and our relationship with God. It can help us contemplate our path of faith and what may be blocking us along the way. It allows us to meditate, be in the moment, slow down and focus our minds, body, and soul on God. Perhaps giving us the opportunity to open our hearts and receive God’s guidance.

If you have never walked a Labyrinth and come across one, I encourage you to use the following general guidelines. As I said earlier, we share this with many others, so they may approach it differently for their spiritual path, but for Christians the following is a simple process to use to truly feel the presence.

• Step into the labyrinth slowly moving towards the center of the circle while clearing your mind, taking deep breaths, opening your heart, and brining your focus to God’s presence. Let go of things that tether you to the day to day and allow yourself to reflect on prayers, thoughts, or questions you might have for God as you follow the path.
• When you reach the center, take a moment to stop and listen, perhaps close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you, feel the sensations that may have bubbled up while you walked in contemplation. Feel the peace within, contemplate your relationship with God and any insights that may have arisen. Take a moment to take in the surroundings visually and perhaps say a little prayer of gratitude.
• When you feel moved to leave, follow the same path out, but know that you are walking out with Jesus into the present with a refreshed sense of self, a renewed spirit, and a purpose to share with the world.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – Isaiah 30:21