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Tuesday, November 5, 2024
On this special day for our nation we welcome you to a time of prayer before, during, and after you place your vote. The labyrinths in our diocese will be open as a place to settle minds and hearts as decisions are made for the good of all in our country and beyond.
We hope you will take time to use walking, either around your neighborhood or on a labyrinth, in our Florida-Alabama diocese, to reflect on God’s gracious gifts of freedom and intellect to all. We pray God will be with you as we quiet our minds and seek a safer, more prosperous future for one another by voting.
Lower down on this page is a list of labyrinths and a guide to walking a labyrinth.
What is a labyrinth?
Labyrinths are an ancient form of meditative and physically active prayer. Originally gaining popularity among Christians in the time of the great cathedrals of Europe, labyrinths enjoy a renewed interest in recent decades. Labyrinths can be found in many settings from inside churches, to prison and schoolyards, to rehabilitation centers, and other places of retreat and recreation.
Walking a labyrinth may look like a maze, but it is not.
It is a simple act of following a path, opening yourself to God’s presence. Resting in God’s care when you reach the center, and then returning to the world less burdened, via the path you entered. Labyrinths never allow one to get lost or confused, instead they provide a time of spiritual refreshment and calm.
Our region is fortunate to have many in secular and religious settings, below are the labyrinths in our Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. Searching: “LabyrinthLocator.org” will lead you to others in your area.
Labyrinths are located in these locations:
Alabama
Church of the Nativity
205 Holly Lane, Dothan, Alabama 36301
-in an awe-inspiring courtyard off the main church
The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
7125 Hitt Road, Mobile, Alabama 36695
-a woodsy outdoor labyrinth to the right of the buildings, near a rustic outdoor chapel
Trinity Episcopal Church
1900 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606
-a grass-cut labyrinth in the grass parking lot east of the church building, near a lovely public garden
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
1854 Staples Road, Mobile, Alabama 36605-4560
-located between the church and parish hall, near parking
Christ Church Cathedral
Corner of St. Emanuel and Church Streets, Mobile, Alabama 36602
-a large cloth 12 circuit labyrinth inside the “Chapter House” or parish hall. The Cathedral’s 200 year-old church building will also be open for prayer, enter off St. Emanuel Street.
Beckwith Camp and Conference Center
10400 Beckwith Road, off Mary Ann Beach Road, Fairhope, Alabama 36532-6060
-lovely wooded setting past the main buildings, tucked into the woods on the left, near Weeks Bay
Florida
St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church
7810 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL 32566
-the newest labyrinth in our diocese, recently blessed by Bishop Russell
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church
3200 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32503
-tucked under trees, past the east side of the chapel and education buildings
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
1608 Baker Court, Panama City, Florida 32401-1900
-in the nave of the church, a full 12 circuit labyrinth
If you are unable to visit a local labyrinth, you can walk anywhere! You might follow a route that takes you around your neighborhood or a couple city blocks to a special soothing locale such as a park or waterway. Return the same route and allow yourself to escape from the pressures of the day.
Using the following guide might give your walk a purpose and flow that will provide structure with flexibility as you move along your path.
A Guide for an Election Day Labyrinth Walk
Please note there is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. This guide is meant to add focus and purpose for those who prefer more structured time on the labyrinth, or walking another predetermined path.
Prayer to prepare before the labyrinth walk
One might offer this prayer before entering the labyrinth:
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to your merciful care, that, being guided by your Providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of the United States and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in your fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
BCP p. 820
The labyrinth walk
For some a labyrinth walk includes a “mantra” said throughout the walk. One we might consider today is:
O Lord, guide and defend our rulers,
mercifully hear us when we call.
At the center of the labyrinth
This is the halfway point in your walk, a good place to pause and offer specific, intercessory prayers. One might focus on what leadership means to this country and the world.
A reading from scripture may be a help at the center such as those listed below, or this reading from Romans 12:3:
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
When leaving the labyrinth
You may want to quicken or slow your pace as you prepare to re-enter the world, and perhaps to make your vote. Your mantra might change to this:
O Lord, open my heart to all people.
Take away fear, and pride, let love conquer all.
When you reach the end of your walk
A final prayer may be offered such as this:
Bless us all, O Lord, your willing and loving servants. We thank you for the social orders that put the most able into place to lead. We ask your forgiveness and corrections when we ourselves have failed in that task. Bless the current and future president of this nation, and all others in authority, so that peace and harmony prevail and all are respected as your beloved children. Heal the brokenhearted across all political spectrums and remind us all that we are under your kingship. Amen.
Scripture for an Election Day time of prayer
From the Old or First Testament
Daniel 2:20-21
Psalm 47:8
Psalm 9:7
Micah 6:8
Jeremiah 9:24
I Chronicles 18:4
From the New or Second Testament
Matthew 5:6, 7:12
Mark 12:17
Romans 13:1
Titus 3:1-2
Timothy 2:1-2
We hope you enjoy your walk and find solace and peace on a day our nation makes decisions for the future. After voting may your walk bring the Holy Spirit’s presence and peace to your heart.
The Rev. Eric J. Zubler
Clergy Associate to the Dean
Christ Church Cathedral
Corner of St. Emmanuel and Church Streets
115 So. Conception Street
Mobile, Alabama 36602
241-438-1822
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