Community Prayer labyrinth

After two years of praying and planning, the Puyallup Community Prayer Labyrinth is complete and open to all of us! This exciting new addition and enhancement to our church campus is a gift to ourselves and the surrounding community.

What Is a Labyrinth?

A labyrinth is an ancient prayer tool designed to encourage us to be present with God in mind, body, and spirit. It is not a maze; there is only one pathway in and out. As you walk your way through, you can relax and listen to God. You can’t get lost. You’ll either make your way back to where you started or find yourself in the center. The winding path can be experienced as a metaphor for our journey with Christ. In the Middle Ages, labyrinths gave everyone an opportunity to go on a pilgrimage during a time when a journey to Jerusalem would have been costly and potentially dangerous.

Our Labyrinth

The first labyrinth pattern is thousands of years old. The Christian pattern, named after the one at the Chartres Cathedral in France, was developed in the 13th century. Our labyrinth installation follows the Chartres design. The pattern in Chartres has 11 circles or “circuits.” Our labyrinth uses the 7 outer circuits of the Chartres pattern so that the path is shorter and wider. By keeping it level across all areas with paved walkways, we’ve designed it to be welcoming for people of all abilities.

How to Walk the labyrinth

Before a walk, you can set your intention with a scripture or a question. Take some deep breaths and try quieting your mind to listen for the Holy Spirit. Feel the physical sensations around you: the smells, the sounds, the elements. As you “travel” toward the center rose, quiet yourself before God. Once you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. Tell God what is on your heart. Spend a moment in prayer. When you are ready, follow the same pathway back, integrating what you noticed. The average walk takes about 15-20 minutes, but feel free to spend some time and go at your own pace.

what to expect

Our Puallup Community Prayer Labyrinth is located on the church grounds by our food garden and back parking lot. You are welcome to come walk anytime. If you are a church or other organization and want a facilitated walk or additional chairs, please contact the pastor. You can walk the labyrinth individually or with a group.

How You Can Help

Our total cost so far on this project is about $53,500. We still have $27,000 left to raise. Click on the donation button above and select the proper dropdown item to make a contribution.