Preparation
Consider for at least two days before:
What do you need I to let go of? Write out the answers and bring the paper to the evening labyrinth walk.
Entering the Crypt (from the door on the north side of the cathedral)
Process into the crypt in silence and be seated in the Notre Dame Sous Terre chapel.
Call to Worship:
Let us open our lives to God as we seek to take the next step on our journey of faith.
Gathering Song:
Within our darkest night, illumine the fire that never dies away, that never dies away. Taizé chant.
Alternative Song: The Lord is my light… Taizé chant
Scripture Reading:
In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:1-5 (NRSV)
Focusing
The call to follow and serve Christ is a movement outward. What prepares us is a deeper inner connection with God.
Silent and Spontaneous Spoken Prayers
…ending with the Lord’s Prayer (each prays using the version that is most familiar.)
Song:
Within our darkest night, illumine the fire that never dies away, that never dies away. Taizé refrain.
Silent prayer and meditation (Five to ten minutes depending on the group)
Preparing ourselves for walking the labyrinth. We will now have time to think and pray about what might be getting in the way of following and serving Christ as fully as you long to do.
Scripture Reading:
Jesus called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. Mark 8:34-35 (NRSV)
Song:
Simple Gifts (Shaker song): ‘Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis a gift to be free. ‘Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be. And when we find ourselves in the place just right, ’twill be the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained. To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed. To turn, turn, will be our delight, Till by turning, turning, we come out right.
Movement of release and journey to the upper church
Passing by the baptistry where there is a burning bowl. When ready, the prepared papers can be symbolically given to God. From there, climb the stairs and make your way to the labyrinth.
Labyrinth Walk
The labyrinth is available for your prayer walk.
Closing Prayer
All gather, forming a circle around the center of the labyrinth. Silent and spoken prayers are offered.
Benediction
May we go in peace to love and serve God.