Walking the Prayer Labyrinth
By Sue Reames
Anyone looking for a way to deepen their own spirituality can turn to a prayer labyrinth walk, offered the third Saturday of every month, at First Baptist Church located at the intersection of Wornall and Red Bridge Roads.
A labyrinth is a circuitous path leading into and out of the center of an intricate design. Traces of labyrinths have been found in a variety of cultures as far back as 3,000 years. It can take any number of forms, but always provides a well-defined path to the center and out again, whereas a maze provides distractions and traps. Use of labyrinths promote interaction of the mind, body and spirit. There is no right or wrong way to walk one, but individuals who utilize it talk of a period of “release” during the entry, a time of contemplation in the center, and a time of reflection on the outward walk.
Locally, a labyrinth is provided each month by the Young Adult group of First Baptist Church. They are a diverse group seeking spiritual connection to a higher power or a deeper self-awareness they have been unable to find in traditional religion.
Rev. Dezo Schreiner encourages the public to experience the labyrinth or to sit at one of the several chairs provided and pray or observe. “Anyone longing for a deeper spirituality will come again and again to walk this pathway,” Rev. Schreiner says.
The labyrinth is open from 3 to 5 p.m., beginning March 21. Enter the church through the north door.