The center of the Labyrinth, in the courtyard of the
United Methodist Church on Big Pine Key,
showing the “cross and flame” 
and some of the winding path.
Photo by Evelyn Derreth

Prayer Labyrinth

Welcome to the Big Pine United Methodist Church Prayer Labyrinth.
We hope that your walk will be a rich spiritual experience...a spiritual journey in prayer.

The labyrinth has been rediscovered as a tool for prayer and meditation! 
You may first think you are seeing a maze. Though the two words are often used interchangeably, 
mazes and labyrinths are not the same.
 A maze is a puzzle to be solved. A labyrinth, on the other hand, is unicursal,
 with only one path to the center, and sometimes a second one out.

our Labyrinth is open to the public
for more information contact our
Church office

305.872.2470

or write to
Big Pine United Methodist Church
Key Deer Blvd.
P.O. Box 430642
Big Pine Key, Florida
33043

or Email Us

Overview of the
Prayer Labyrinth

The prayer labyrinth is a winding path that leads unerringly to the center. After you reach the center turn around and walk the same winding path out again. The prayer labyrinth can help calm the mind, relax the body, reduce stress, and provide space that helps guide your mind and heart in prayer. The labyrinth only requires that you persist in your journey.

The path is a metaphor for our journey with Christ. Walking toward the center, we can release cares and concerns and empty and quiet ourselves before God. When we surrender to the winding path, we can find wholeness and healing. We find a place for meditation and prayer in the center, where we can find clarity in our lives. As we walk back out to the edge, on the same path, we can find we are empowered to be more authentic in ourselves and in our service to the world.

Labyrinths have a rich history all over the world. A Cretan coin from the second century BC features a circular design with seven rings. This design is found at different periods of history in such far flung places as India, Norway, Ireland, England, and even in America.

Christian churches used the labyrinth for prayer and meditation as early as 350 CE. The oldest example in Algeria is inscribed with Sancta Eclesia at the center, confirming its sacred use. The labyrinth design we are using first appeared in the Middle Ages. Probably the most famous example can be found in the inlaid floor of the Cathedral of Chartres, France.

The labyrinth is making a comeback as a tool offering a chance to take time out from our busy lives and to leave schedules and stress behind. Walking the Prayer Labyrinth can richly bless our lives and lead us to discovery, insight, peace, solace, and direction. As a work of the Spirit the labyrinth is more about the journey than the destination, about being rather than doing, integrating body and mind, reason and imagination, thought and feeling into one harmonious whole as God intended.

People everywhere are looking for spiritual direction. The church faces the challenge to offer spiritual nurture to seekers in the transformation of their lives. The labyrinth is one step to help us forge a new identity, one that provides spiritual guidance even as it nurtures a new creative relationship to God in the Spirit. People are seeking more than an intellectual understanding of God. We want a genuine experience with God through the living Christ. The labyrinth offers a space where we can profoundly and joyfully experience the mystery of God’s presence in a tangible way.

Early in the Spring of 1998 Ellwood Sapp, Sue Sapp, Evelyn Derreth, and Reverend Richard attended a workshop conducted by Reverend Patricia Brown
at the Life Enrichment Center in Leesburg.
Reverend Brown used a labyrinth as a tool during the training for her program Spirit Gifts, One Body, Many Gifts and it so impressed the Sapps that they went to work planning and sharing their discovery with the Tuesday evening Talking Time group. However, it was not until early 2000 when serious plans were being made to paint a labyrinth on a large tarp. It was during this planning time that a newcomer to the group, Jeff Agee, said, “I can do that in concrete.” A hush fell over the entire group, then we accepted the offer.
Ellwood Sapp gathered information and materials while J. D. Heard drafted the design. From that time to the present Jeff proceeded to amaze everyone with his design and artistic ability. The labyrinth is 30.5 feet in diameter and is created by concrete overlayment.
After completing the labyrinth Jeff felt that we needed
a preparation or beginning area and made an approach to the labyrinth. Jeff suggested that we make a statement in the staging area and with the help of Reverends Arthur North and Richard Derreth came up with the words from John 1:1,14:
“In the beginning was the Word...” (at the top of the circle) and “The Word became flesh...” (at the bottom of the circle). The letters in the center are Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end). All written in first century CE Greek.

Many people have concerns about their first prayer labyrinth walk. Be assured that there are no wrong ways to walk the labyrinth, no ways to get lost, no ways to make a mistake. Your way is the way to walk the labyrinth. The following are some suggestions from the Members of Veriditas, keepers of the Grace Cathedral labyrinth, to make the most of your walk.

1. Relax. Take a moment to reflect on where you are in your life. Do you want to finish school, get a good job, or find help in dealing with your children? If you are trying to solve a problem, focus on your question and let it help guide you in prayer as you walk the labyrinth.

2. Quiet your mind. Let your thoughts go when they suddenly surface in your awareness. You might feel like crying or as though you are surrounded by peace. Let your thoughts and emotions flow. You’ll be experiencing a profound sense of peace, so let your tears fall. You want this to be a journey of enlightenment.

3. Improve your meditation by repeating a word or phrase. Make it a word that is meaningful to you.

4. Try reading scripture during your walk. Read out loud or to yourself. Concentrate on the words as you move through the path.

5. Pray. Don’t be shy. Pour your heart out. Express joy or anger or pain, express gratitude, and ask for healing.

6. Be receptive to whatever occurs. The sacred place where you meet yourself. Be aware of catching glimpses of the divine. A transformation might take place inside you. Welcome it.

7. Pace yourself. Pay attention to your breathing. If you are holding your breath, let it out. Breathe slowly and smoothly. Should you pass another walker, step around quietly and respectfully. This isn’t a competitive race. Keep your own pace.

8. Make your walk an enjoyable experience. Set aside everyday troubles and open yourself to a new life of tranquility. You’re on a sacred path that has been walked by many seekers for centuries. Relax and enjoy! Then come back and make the journey again.