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Our labyrinth is located at Covenant Baptist Church. We’ve managed to keep our church property fairly rustic. We like it that way The land is yours to enjoy and explore.

Behind our second building is a prayer path in the woods which will take you to the labyrinth. The path was built largely by the children in our elementary Sunday-school class. About once a month, they spend their class time tending the trail — and extending the trail as well — Ben says he learns from the kids every week they work.

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Pray or meditate as you walk, or just use it as a nature trail. If you’re new to prayer, or want some suggestions of ways to pray, ask one of the pastors: they’ll be happy to offer direction.

One fork of the prayer path comes to an end at an eleven- circuit labyrinth — a Texas vernacular reinterpretation of the well-known design at Chartres — outlined in limestone found on site. Our labyrinth was installed by church members during Lent and Easter of 2008, and you are some of the very first to put it to use. Next to the labyrinth entrance you’ll find a guest book to sign as well as some suggestions for a guided prayer experience.

Because the path from the entrance to the center is the same path you’ll take coming back out again, it’s likely that while walking the circuits that you’ll encounter another pilgrim coming toward you on the same path — just say a word of peace and step off toward the right, rejoining the path once you’ve passed.

Covenant Abbey Road

The path and labyrinth are available 24 hours a day; if you walk the path after sunset or before sunrise, we’d ask that you take a flashlight with you and keep an eye out for cactus and for our animal friends (armadillos, raccoons, etc.) — be careful not to disturb them. Feel free to replace stray rocks or tend to weeds as you move along the path.

Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is a single path — there are no intersections or choices to make. Start at the entrance and continue on the path as it winds toward the center at whatever pace you’re most comfortable. Please pre-apply sunscreen, bring a hat, water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes. If you get tired, note your location, break out of the path and sit for a bit, and resume later. Note: there are no restroom facilities out by the labyrinth; plan ahead.

Allow about 30-45 minutes to complete the labyrinth (entrance-to-center and then back out again) at a medium-slow pace. This allows for four or five minutes in the center for prayer.

If you walk the labyrinth at a medium-fast pace, you can complete the labyrinth in 15 to 30 minutes. This allows for two or three minutes in the center for prayer. If you walk the labyrinth at a very slow pace, you can expect the labyrinth to easily last an hour or longer.

Blessings.

:: May.23.2008 :: Uncategorized :: No Comments »