Labyrinths
Labyrinths date back centuries and are thought to have been used as a way to pray. Pilgrims would follow its path sometimes oÂn their knees as a means of prayer or to mark the end of a pilgrimage. Some in cathedrals are elaborate others can be simple.The popularity again comes largely from the modernised version by Jonny Baker and it combines the path with stations to pause at and do something at. This is all done whilst wearing headphones and listening to guided meditations and ambient music.I first set up a labyrinth for a youth weekend and was blown away by the reponse from the young people who visited it throughout the weekend. It was so succesful that we then opened it up to the wider church and it stayed for 3 months and has done to more stints.As a spiritual habit it forces you top stop, lay aside the destractions of the day and focus oÂn God.A simple form can do this and I have used a small chalked oÂne often in my garden with out the stations.You can buy a kit from Proost and you can also get an PC version which is also helpful.I encourage you to discover this practice oÂn a personal level but also to use in your youth work.Buy yourself the kit (and I’m not oÂn commission) as you will be amazed at how it engages people.
