Pilgrimage of the People: Liturgies for Labyrinth Worship throughout the Church Year
Ebook
Labyrinths are often thought of as individual meditation tools. In this new volume, liturgies are provided for communal worship so that groups of people can center their prayer on God and develop community. Liturgies for celebrations and major and minor feasts throughout the church calendar are provided, along with special events like healing services, reconciliation, and civic occasions. Each liturgy can be led by laity or ordained persons. Aid is provided for those new to the centering prayer of labyrinths, and options for individuals unable to walk or use a wheelchair are included.
“Robert Elsner has penned an important liturgical guide for churches, small groups, church plants, and, indeed, individual believers. Firmly rooted in the Evangelical and Reformed Anglican tradition, yet with an appeal that transcends the historic spaces of the Christian experience, Elsner has contributed a thoughtful and biblically faithful devotional for an often-overlooked spiritual discipline. I commend this new liturgical offering with enthusiasm and gratitude.”
—Michael A. Milton, distinguished professor of missions and evangelism, Erskine Theological Seminary
“In a manner both pastorally sensitive and liturgically fitting, Robert Elsner has expanded the practice of engaging labyrinths from that of individual contemplation to communal prayer. Through this robust collection of contextually adaptable labyrinth liturgies, Elsner has resourced the church universal with prayer forms that will guide our journeys more deeply into the heart of God.”
—Nelson Cowan, director, Center for Worship and the Arts, Samford University
“Pilgrimage of the People takes what for many is an individual spiritual practice and turns the labyrinth into a tool for community transformation through liturgy. This is a must-read for liturgical congregations who have a labyrinth or are looking to build one.”
—John B. Burruss, rector, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church
“These labyrinth liturgies unlock a holy and sacred path to an encounter with God. They are a beautiful balm to soothe souls during tumultuous and challenging times, and who doesn’t need spiritual relief these days? With the craftsmanship of a poet and a careful eye for liturgy, Robert Elsner lays the foundation for the renewal of an ancient pilgrimage tradition.”
—Robert D. Flanagan, chaplain, General Theological Seminary
“Labyrinths take us on a journey that ends in a place no different than the path itself. Thus, their use allows us to walk toward the God who is already with us before our arrival. Robert Elsner’s liturgies, beautifully crafted around the basic ordo of Christian praise and prayer, offer labyrinth practices for communities, not just individuals. I commend this wonderful resource to all congregational leaders concerned with the spiritual formation of their people.”
—James W. Farwell, professor of theology and liturgy, Virginia Theological Seminary
- Title: Pilgrimage of the People: Liturgies for Labyrinth Worship throughout the Church Year
- Author: Robert J. F. Elsner
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385204991, 9798385204977, 9798385204984
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385204991
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T21:21:09Z
Robert J.F. Elsner is professor and chair of psychology at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He has worked with labyrinths and centering prayer for many decades, and written liturgies for numerous churches and organizations.