by Ilse Prokosch, synod intern
Labyrinths have been used for meditation and spiritual practices for over 4,000 years. Today, several churches in the synod are continuing the tradition by maintaining or adding labyrinths on church grounds. These maze-like designs are used by members of the faith community and others within the neighborhood.
The medieval style of labyrinth is built on the concept of sacred geometry, a phenomenon found in nature believed to have sacred or symbolic meaning. According to labyrinthos.net, a resource for the study of mazes and labyrinths, this design was first adapted into a Christian context during the fourth century, and labyrinths would become common architectural features in churches and cathedrals. During the 20th century, interest in this design saw a revival, leading to their inclusion in modern churches.
Salem Lutheran Church in West St. Paul had its contemporary dual path labyrinth installed in the fall of 2023. The church stands in the middle of a neighborhood, and because of the number of walkers on the roads, church leaders thought a labyrinth would benefit the community. Working with an Age-Friendly Minnesota grant, the labyrinth was installed outside to enhance the area as a gift to the people. It offers moderate exercise for older adults in addition to being a space for anyone seeking peace.
The outdoor labyrinth at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Lino Lakes was made using stones left over from the sanctuary’s construction in the late 1990s. Located in the prairie fields behind the church, a landscaping team comes each summer to prevent the weeds and tall grasses from overtaking the design and ensure that the stones have not sunk into the ground. Several members of the congregation walk the labyrinth after services to center themselves and ponder the message.
Lauderdale’s Peace Lutheran Church indoor labyrinth was more of a community effort. The layout of the sanctuary was being redesigned, and a focal point was needed to create a more cohesive space. With a template provided by labyrinth expert Lisa Moriarty, the mosaic design was painted onto the church floor by congregation members 21 years ago. Though the paint has been peeling, Pastor Dave Greenlund is hesitant to repaint it, saying, “The scrapes add to the life and history of the building.”
Outdoor labyrinth at Salem Lutheran Church, West St. Paul
Outdoor labyrinth at Living Waters Lutheran Church, Lino Lakes
Congregations in the synod that have labyrinths:
- Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul
- Easter Lutheran Church (by the lake) in Eagan
- Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia
- Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul
- Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul
- Immanuel Lutheran Church in Almelund
- Living Waters Lutheran Church in Lino Lakes
- Peace Lutheran Church in Lauderdale
- Salem Lutheran Church in West St. Paul
- St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church in St. Paul
To discover more labyrinths within the Twin Cities area, click here, or for a broader search, visit labyrinthlocator.org.
