Ellen Simmons "outside reading: labyrinth or prayer walk"

Today in class Dr. Redick took the class on a little field trip to the Great Lawn of the campus. At the Great Lawn we found a huge tapestry in the ground called a labyrinth. A labyrinth is like a maze but there is only one way in and in way out. People walk around the winding ends and can pray to God or just walk to contemplate life. The walking is supposed to be a time of reflection and unity. I came across an article put in The Star out of Shelby, North Carolina that discussed a pray walk at county schools in Cleveland County. It said that 31 schools participated in the prayer walks and believe that the community came together as one. The woman who organized the prayer walks, Sandy Melton, was quoted to say that prayer walks are, 'It is praying as you walk around the school grounds." Melton suggests praying in response to what you see and asking God to bless the children. Melton also said that the praying on the school grounds helped people focus their faith and energy. I think it is a little odd that they are bringing church into school because usually church is left out of the public school systems. The good thing about the pray walks was that the children got a chance to see how a community can grow and that it is important to give thanks to what life gives.

The article quotes,

"Prayer suggestions
School prayer leader Sandy Melton offers these suggestions on what to pray for:
--A successful and calm school year for the students, parents and teachers. Pray that the parents and the schools will work together in harmony.
--A safe and peaceful environment for students at school, at home and during times of travel to and from school.
--Staff members to remember that they are role models for the students and to make all decisions with the best interest of the student in mind.
--Wisdom to counsel students who come to school with problems.
--Each student to reach his/her maximum potential each day.
--Teachers' ability to meet the needs of students academically...for wisdom to plan activities which will improve student achievement.
--Safety for students who participate in extracurricular activities.
--Pray for good sportsmanship to be displayed by athletes, coaches, parents and fans.
--Parents to work closely with students in the remedial programs."

http://0-web.ebscohost.com.read.cnu.edu/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=7&sid=84c1cf4d-4c6a-4bc1-9dc7-7f92aaaadc46@sessionmgr12&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=n5h&AN=2W63577426639