Featured News
Providence Church Labyrinth
An Invitation to Meditation, Mindfulness, and Prayer
Providence Church offers its labyrinth as a gift to the people of Daniel Island, Charleston, and beyond … inviting all to take a prayerful pilgrimage.
Labyrinths have been used around the world since at least 2000 B.C. Their patterns were carved into the floors of medieval cathedrals and walked by pilgrims of that time. This labyrinth is built in the style of the one at the Great Cathedral in Chartres, France.
The labyrinth's path is like the path of life. There are twists and turns, feelings of being lost, encounters with others, the thrill of accomplishment, and sometimes a flash of insight.
There is no wrong way to use the labyrinth. However, there are some things that make walking the labyrinth a more meaningful experience:
Please silence all digital devices.
Before entering pause in silence. You may want to carry a pebble, stone, or twig to leave in the center.
Begin listening for or reflecting on what you want from today's walk. It could be the answer to a question, healing, the resolution of a problem, forgiveness, divine grace ... or simply a quiet meditative stroll.
Ask God’s spirit to be present during your walk. Your invocation can be simple: a prayer, a hymn, a blessing, a phrase or a favorite poem.
Begin walking toward the center at your own pace, following the path. You may want to think of this as walking toward the place where you connect to your heart or with god’s spirit.
When you reach the center, pause and allow time to reflect before taking the outward path.
When you are ready, begin the journey outward. Stay conscious of your intention for today's walk. This is when some people receive a gift of clarity, an answer to a question, or a sense of well-being and oneness with God.
Before exiting, pause and give thanks for the known and unknown gifts you have received today.
Other methods of walking/praying the labyrinth
Concentrate on a single word during your entire walk.
Pray silently or aloud while you walk.
Pray for a single person, repeating a simple prayer for that person, especially at each turn, and then writing a note to that person after you exit.
Skip and play along the way, experiencing all the joy you can.
Notice the stillness or movement of the trees, the sound of people and cars, the smells of the plants, the crunch under your feet, the changing light from sun and shade, and other sensations all around you as you walk/pray.
Reference Books and Online Resources
Many additional methods are detailed in the collection of books regarding labyrinths in Providence’s library. You are welcome to check out any of several books from the church office.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice by Lauren Artress
The Sacred Path Companion: A Guide to Walking the Labyrinth to Heal and Transform by Lauren Artress
Praying the Labyrinth: A Journal for Spiritual Exploration by Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion
Living the Labyrinth: 101 Paths to a Deeper Connection with the Sacred by Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion
The Labyrinth and Enneagram: Circling into Prayer by Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion
Labyrinth A-Omega: An Introduction to the How, What, and Why of Labyrinths and Labyrinth Walking by Clive Johnson
A Labyrinth Year: Walking the Seasons of the Church by Richard Kautz
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl
Walking the Labyrinth: A Spiritual and Practical Guide by Sally Welch
About Providence’s Labyrinth
Many Providence Church members have longed for a labyrinth since our first building was completed on Daniel Island in 2001.
Designed by architect and Providence founding member Glenn Keyes, our labyrinth was constructed by Providence members and Scouts from Troop 519 of the Boy Scouts of America Coastal Carolina Council under the direction of Grant Leigl in partial fulfillment of the requirements for his Eagle Scout badge. It is located along a primary island thoroughfare, inviting any and all in, but is screened by foliage to foster intimacy and contemplation.
This labyrinth was dedicated on May 14, 2023, in honor of member Dr. Charles Taylor on his 100th birthday. Charles is a beloved teacher, mentor, and friend. His scholarship in biblical studies and theology is surpassed only by his tender love and care for his church family.
Longtime member Dr. Charles Taylor
Troop 519 Eagle Scout Grant Liegl
