The Harker Labyrinth
Developing the Grounds
What is a Labyrinth?
Labyrinths are found all over the world, often in the stonework floor of cathedrals or in church grounds. Their history stretches back thousands of years and have long been used an aid to prayer or meditation. They combine in imagery of the circle and spiral into a meandering and purposeful path/journey.
The journey inwards towards the centre represents a look inward or revelation of the Holy Spirit about a truth (about ourselves or the character of God) and the journey outwards represents our sharing or bringing that truth back into the world.
For some people walking the Labyrinth is simply a peaceful exercise, for some it’s an amazing time of encounter and revelation. Often the Spiritual mimics the practical and vice versa, so to physically move towards the centre, often people feel they are moving towards God and His revelation for them
Unique to Harker Grange
There are some unique features about the Harker Labyrinth to aid those walking the journey to be empowered. Whilst simply walking towards the centre (towards God) is still a powerful exercise, we have the added elements as follows:
1) We designed the labyrinth based on a octagonal design, not realising that when we numbered the 'turns' they numbered 33 (one for each of Christ's years on earth - a coincidence?)
2) For each of the 33 turns we have activation and proclamation prayers based on:-
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The Hebrew names of God (by the time you reach the centre you will have proclaimed many of the Characteristics of the Godhead)
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The 'Passion' steps -33 reasons why Jesus, suffered, died and rose again - we expect this to relight the fire of any Christian (especially one who is so familiar with standard doctrine)
We are building a wooden gazebo in the centre so people can rest and reflect under cover. We are also praying through how the Labyrinth is constructed - our latest thoughts are having raised beds with flowers/plants that represent biblical significance e.g. Almods (resurrection).
PROGRESS TO DATE
Whilst we have a fair way to go in terms of construction of the Labyrinth, we have done a vast deal over the past 12 months including removal of a wilderness of 6ft high stingers and weeds, levelling the land, planting grass seed and building a wooden gazebo which will be at the centre of the Labyrinth and a place (under cover) to rest and pray. As of April 2023, the Gazebo roof is just going up (thanks to Wilf and Nathan for a lot of effort) - they managed to reuse much of the timber from the house when removing walls!
Developing the Prayer Walk
As soon as we had moved into Harker Grange in April 2017 we knew the Lord was wanting to do something unique within the grounds as well as the house. Four 'words' were revealed; Worship, Deliverance, Power (empowerment) and Healing. These same words (in the same order) were confirmed through a complete stranger a few weeks later! - we therefore needed to look at them carefully.
The Four Words
WORSHIP
Whilst we love worship singing and music (and certainly include this in our retreats) - this is actually about obedience and sacrifice (the first mention of the word worship ('Shachah' in hebrew) in the bible is connected to Abraham and Issac) and means to 'bow down' Are you willing to lay down both your burdens and blessings should the Lord require you to? We talk about an 'Open Palm' position.
DELIVERANCE
This is not so much about casting out demons (though on rare occasions may be called for) but identifying any barriers in your life (whether known or unknown) that prevents you being in an 'open space' of freedom and connection with God. We are on hand to help you break any vows, lies, generational issues, strongholds and mindsets that are holding you back.
EMPOWERMENT
One of our passions is to rekindle your faith through God's word - walk the Labyrinth and listen to teaching to refresh and revitalise your spirit.
HEALING
We believe in Gods word and promise of healing for all who need a touch from Him. Whether thats emotional, physical or spiritual healing come in faith and expect refreshment for the journey ahead.
