There are two blessing ceremonies on this page that were used to dedicate Chartres-style canvas labyrinths in local Episcopal churches.  For additional ideas and resources on this subject, go to the PAXworks' website .

If you would like to share a special labyrinth blessing with others by having it published here, please contact Georgia Labyrinths at bsp2323@yahoo.com

The Officiant starts:

Through the ages, Almighty God has moved his people to set apart places for meditation and prayer.  With gratitude for the acquisition of this labyrinth, we are now gathered to bless it in God's name.

Let us pray.

O Almighty God, who pours out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The Journey Inward

Silent prayers are said as a procession, led by the crucifer, walks to
the center of the labyrinth 

The Center: Prayers of Dedication

V.  All things come from you, O Lord;
R. And from your own gifts do we give to you.

V. Prosper the work of our hands;
R. Prosper our handiwork.

V. Show your servants your works;
R. And your splendor to their children.

Let us pray.

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly; Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

O God of peace, who taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray you, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you would, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Almighty God, we thank you that you have put it into the hearts of your people to make offerings for your service, and have been pleased to accept their gifts.  Be with us now an bless us as we set apart this labyrinth to your praise and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Journey Outward

The people join in singing Dona nobis pacem (Grant us your peace) as the procession leaves the labyrinth.

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, who has promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in your Son's Name:  We ask you mercifully to incline your ear to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto you; and grant that those things which we have faithfully asked according to your will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Decatur

Holy Trinity blessed their Chartres canvas labyrinth on September 14, 1997.  The following is an adaptation of their ceremony.

1 - Before entering.

Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of this labyrinth and the opportunity it gives us to walk with you. We ask that you send your Holy Spirit to bless us, this canvas and all who follow us on this path.

Come, Holy Spirit.....and bless us.

2 - After entering.

The labyrinth is a path of prayer – a spiritual tool to help us become closer to God. We thank you, loving God, for the many hands and hearts that helped create it. May all who enter this path be guided by your love.

Come, Holy Spirit.....and guide us.

3 - At an internal turn in path.

The twists and turns of the labyrinth are metaphors for our own individual spiritual journeys. We pray, gentle God, that all who seek your loving kindness will be comforted while walking on this path.

Come, Holy Spirit.....and comfort us.

4 - From an outer edge path.

There are times when we feel far from our center – far from our destination – far from you, God. At times we wonder if we are on the right path. We pray that all those who find themselves at the edges of life's path will find strength and courage to continue the journey.

Come, Holy Spirit....and give us courage.

5 - Just before entering center.

We pray for all pilgrims on their journeys to become aware of the Divinity within all God's creation. We ask that they feel the presence of God at the center of this labyrinth and find peace in their hearts, minds, and souls.

Come, Holy Spirit.....and walk with us.

6 - After entering the center.

For medieval pilgrims, the path on the labyrinth symbolically led to their final destination – the New Jerusalem. We pray that for all who enter the center of the labyrinth seeking illumination may receive what they need, according to your wisdom, O God.

Come, Holy Spirit.....and enlighten us.

7 – Before or just after leaving the center.

The path leading out from the center of the labyrinth returns us to the daily challenges God created for us. We pray that all who walk this path will be strengthened to serve all creation in God's name.

Come, Holy Spirit.....and strengthen us.

8 – Half way out.

Bless this labyrinth and all who walk it, O God. By the power of your Holy Spirit, make this a safe path, a path of discovery, a holy path. We praise you and bless your holy name. Amen.

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