By: Matthew Weigang
Lent is a sacred season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. The last couple of years, I chose to deepen my Lenten experience by walking the labyrinth at Christ Church Cranbrook. A labyrinth is a symbolic path that has been used for centuries as a tool for prayer and meditation. Little did I know how profoundly this simple yet powerful practice would draw me closer to God!
The labyrinth is not a maze meant to confuse but a single, winding path leading to the center and back out again. As I stood at the entrance, I felt a mix of anticipation and reverence. I whispered a prayer, asking God to guide my steps and open my heart to whatever God wished to reveal.
The journey began slowly. Each deliberate step encouraged me to release the burdens I had been carrying. Thoughts of worry, doubt, and busyness began to fade as I focused on the rhythmic motion of placing one foot in front of the other. In those early moments, I was reminded of the call to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The simplicity of walking, combined with the sacredness of the space, created an atmosphere of stillness within me.
As I followed the twists and turns, I noticed how the path sometimes led me closer to the center, only to veer away again. This mirrored the ebb and flow of my own spiritual journey. There have been times when I have felt intimately close to God, only to encounter challenges that seemed to pull me away. Yet the labyrinth reminded me that even when I cannot see the full path, God is always present, leading me with unwavering love.
At the center of the labyrinth, I paused. This sacred midpoint felt like a holy sanctuary, a space to rest in God’s presence. I offered prayers of gratitude and poured out my heart’s desires. In that stillness, I experienced a profound sense of peace—a reminder that God’s presence is not confined to grand gestures but is found in the quiet moments of surrender.
The journey outward was equally significant. Walking back along the same path, I carried with me the insights and comfort I had received. It was a symbolic reminder that the lessons we gain in moments of reflection are meant to be brought into our daily lives. Each step became an act of recommitment—to love more deeply, to forgive more freely, and to walk in faith even when the way ahead seems uncertain. The times I walked the labyrinth, each experience was unique, yet always transformative. Some days, I brought specific prayers or questions to God. Other times, I simply walked in silence, trusting that the act itself was a form of worship. With each visit, I grew more aware of God’s gentle presence, not just in the labyrinth, but in every corner of my life.
Walking the labyrinth during Lent reminded me that the spiritual journey is not about rushing to a destination. It is about trusting the path, surrendering control, and allowing God to lead. As Easter approached, I felt a renewed sense of hope and joy. The labyrinth had served as a sacred companion on my Lenten pilgrimage, drawing me ever closer to the One who is always walking beside me. For anyone seeking a deeper connection with God, I wholeheartedly recommend the practice of walking a labyrinth. May your steps be blessed, your burdens lifted, and your heart opened to the boundless love of our Creator!
Come and see what the Labyrinth might have in store for you! Come anytime between 6:30pm and 9pm on Tuesday nights through April 8 — in the Atrium of Christ Church Cranbrook.
There will be a short instructional “how to” offered each night at 6:30pm by The Rev. Marjorie Whilhelmi as well as this handout, for anyone looking for more guidance.