The Chartres Labyrinth and Mary (2)

I am often surprised by what God communicates while I move on a labyrinth. While walking in God’s presence, it seems easy, even natural, to accept what I “hear.” This is one of the great gifts of praying while using a labyrinth, the turning path seems to support fluidity in me.

My prayer

You, who described yourself as The Way, hear my heart’s desire that echoes Mary’s words, “Here I am, the servant of God; let it be to me according to your word.”

Biblical touchstone

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of God; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 (NRSV)

Invitation to prayer

Has God communicated something surprising to you recently? As you consider it anew, what prayers are emerging in your heart, mind, body, and imagination? Pray them now.

Photos

The annunciation of Jesus’ birth by the angel Gabriel to Mary. The central window in the East of the Chartres Cathedral in France. This image is visible from the entrance to the labyrinth and on the four straight paths that lead toward the center. It is the directly in front of a walker as s/he enters the center.

The labyrinth in the Chartres Cathedral. Unfortunately, due to restorations it will not be open for walking again until the fall of 2016.

Related Posts:

The Apsidal image of Mary as a throne for Jesus who is sitting on her lap blessing.