A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The labyrinth represents a journey to our own centre and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.
Of the 17,000+ people groups in the world, over 7,000 have a limited opportunity to hear the Gospel. These groups do not have access to the Gospel due to cultural, linguistic, political or other barriers. Many people in these groups will go from birth to death without ever hearing about Jesus in ways that are meaningful to them. This labyrinth is to focus our prayer on those who are yet to hear the transforming message of Jesus.
Resources needed
- A large room or open outdoor space
- Rope, stones, sticks, material or chalk to mark out the design of the labyrinth
- Information about the people Baptist Mission Australia reaches out to, who have a limited opportunity to hear the Gospel
- Possibly music and multi-media equipment and art (paintings, sculptures, etc.) if you decide on a more elaborate prayer path, or for a simple labyrinth use tea-lights/candles to mark significant places for reflection along the path
- A small team of creative people to help design and create the labyrinth (and help set up and pack up!)
Activity
- Give yourself or team time to organise, plan and set up this event.
- Using the ropes, sticks, material, shoes, etc. mark out your labyrinth. It should be in a circular shape that weaves around into the middle. Google the word ‘labyrinth’ and you will find many designs.
- This space is created as a place for prayer and reflection with a focus on people in communities with very few followers of Jesus (you may choose one or two, or all nine depending on time, space and your focus). Invite people to walk the labyrinth as their prayer. As they walk, ask them to pray that God might give them a heart for the millions of communities around the world. They may take as little or as long a time as they are comfortable. Invite people to continue to pray outside of this experience for the things God has placed on their hearts.
- During the event, walk around as a team, be present, listen to what God is saying and observe people’s reactions/experiences. Debrief this at the end after you have packed up.
