The Labyrinth
No matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual life’s journey, you are welcome in the labyrinth. Think about the labyrinth as a prayer path. Unlike a maze, there is only one path that leads you from the outer edge to the center and then back out again by the same way. Although labyrinths pre-date the Christian Era, early Christians appropriated the labyrinth as a tool for contemplation and substituted them for pilgrimages to the Holy Land when it became too dangerous to go there. Although there are several different labyrinth designs in use, most labyrinths mirror life in its twists and turns. One moment you think that you are approaching the center, and the next moment you find that the path has led you toward the outer edge! Although the labyrinth can be anything you need it to be, there are traditional movements that many have experienced.
1. Walking into the Labyrinth
After removing your shoes (you are, after all, standing on holy ground!), walk into the labyrinth, leaving behind distractions as you enter this sacred space. It is a time to take stock of life, to offer confession, and to sincerely see the power and presence of God. It is a time to focus, to draw close to the heart of life and faith and the spirit.
2. Resting in the center of the labyrinth
This is the time you remain at the center of the labyrinth. You may sit or stand as you’d like. This is a time of openness and receptivity. It is an expectant time in which you anticipate, receive, and rest in that which God has to offer you.
3. Walking out of the labyrinth
This is the time of walking back into the world in union with God. Having received a gift from God, whatever that may be, you return to the world. You follow the same path outward that you followed inward, but this time you walk illuminated and empowered, and the spirit of God accompanies you.
First Church is fortunate to have an eleven-circuit Chartres-design canvas labyrinth which is set up in Fellowship Hall at special times during the year.
During the 2025-2026 program year the illuminated labyrinth will be available for walking as follows:
Sunday, November 30 (First Sunday of Advent), 7 – 9 p.m.
Sunday, December 21 (Winter Solstice and Longest Night), 7 – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve), 4 – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, February 18 (Ash Wednesday), 5 - 7 p.m.
Friday, April 3 (Good Friday), 7 – 9 p.m.
Although no registration or registration fees are required, donations to Billings First Church are appreciated.
You may also like the following events from Billings First Church:
