Walking in the Light

What Is a Labyrinth?

A labyrinth is an ancient pattern for walking prayer.


Unlike a maze, there are no dead ends and nothing to solve.


One path leads toward the center and the same path leads outward again.


Why Would Christians Walk One?


Christians may use that slow journey to pray, meditate on Scripture, listen in silence, release burdens, discern God's leading, or simply become more attentive to the presence of Christ.

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Is This a Friends Practice?

A labyrinth is not a sacrament, not a magical practice, and not a substitute for Scripture, worship, or the Holy Spirit.


Neither is the labyrinth a uniquely Quaker tradition.

It is simply a physical pattern that can help us practice something Friends have long understood:

  • Wait.
  • Listen.
  • Attend.
  • Respond.
  • Walk faithfully in the Light Christ gives.


Friends have long emphasized waiting upon the Living Christ, listening for the Spirit, and letting inward encounter with Christ shape outward obedience.


Walking a labyrinth can give our bodies a way to participate in that attentive prayer.

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A Labyrinth Shaped by the Gospel of John

The Gospel of John has given Friends some of our richest language for understanding Jesus Christ as Light, Life, Truth, Presence, and the One whose voice we learn to recognize.


As we imagine a future labyrinth at First Friends, we are exploring whether Scripture from John's Gospel might accompany the journey. The purpose would not simply be to walk inward, but to encounter Christ, listen, abide, and then return to the world in faithful obedience.


  • COME — “Come and see.” — John 1:46
  • LIGHT — “The true light that gives light to everyone…” — John 1:9
  • LISTEN — “My sheep listen to my voice…” — John 10:27
  • FOLLOW — “I am the way and the truth and the life.” — John 14:6
  • ABIDE — “Abide in me…” — John 15:4
  • LOVE — “Love each other as I have loved you.” — John 15:12
  • BE SENT — “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” — John 20:21
  • RECEIVE — “Out of his fullness we have all received grace…” — John 1:16


The goal is not simply to “find our center.”

The center is Christ.


We walk inward to attend to Christ. We abide with Christ at the center. Then Christ sends us outward again.

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Our Labyrinth Project

We are beginning to imagine a permanent outdoor labyrinth on the grounds of Marion First Friends—a quiet place for our congregation, neighbors, recovery community, retreat groups, and anyone who needs space to walk, pray, listen, and meet Christ.


This is more than a landscaping project. We may be creating a prayer ministry that happens to be planted in the ground... And before we ever spend real money on brick or stone, our unused field gives us a wonderful opportunity:

  • We could design a full-size temporary grass labyrinth first—mowed paths, stakes/rope, or painted turf.
  • Walk it for a season, learn what works, and only then consider making it permanent.
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What If This Field Became a Place of Prayer?

An open field at First Friends has the potential to become a quiet place for walking, Scripture, prayer, and listening. A simple outdoor labyrinth could invite our congregation, neighbors, and visitors to slow down, attend to Christ, and discern how God may be leading them.

Temporary Grass Labyrinth

Before committing to permanent materials, we plan to create a full-size labyrinth using mowed grass paths and simple markers. This approach allows us to experience the space, gather feedback, and refine the design based on real use.

A Place for All

The labyrinth will serve not only our congregation but also neighbors, retreat groups, and those seeking quiet prayer. It offers a welcoming environment for anyone needing space to walk, listen, and meet Christ.

Growing a Prayer Ministry

This project is more than landscaping; it is a ministry of prayer and attentiveness. Walking allows us to bring our whole selves—body, mind, Scripture, silence, and prayer—into the practice of waiting upon Christ and listening for the Spirit.

Get Involved

Visualizing the Path

Imagine a peaceful outdoor space where the labyrinth’s winding path invites you to walk, pray, and reflect. This simple design transforms a field into a place of spiritual connection accessible to all in our community.

Join the Journey

How Do I Walk a Labyrinth?

Three movements:


Entering — Release
Walk slowly. Bring to Christ what you are carrying. Pray a Scripture, a name, a burden, or simply become quiet.


Center — Receive
Pause. Listen. Abide. Don't force an answer. Rest in the presence of Christ.


Returning — Respond
Walk outward with the question: How is Christ asking me to live what I have received?