Do you make the sign of the Cross?

EvangelCatholic · Nov 19, 2014

This question has come up on other forums and am curious if Lutherans make the sign of the holy Cross in church, at home, in the car, etc.?

I was raised in parishes where the sign of the cross was practiced and remember being taught to bless ourselves in Sunday School. It seems like a very common gesture in local parishes and at synod gatherings. We also cross ourselves when we pray grace at meals.

Anyone else use this gesture to remember and be blessed by the holy Trinity?

Resha Caner · Nov 19, 2014

I've no problem with people doing it, and some at my church do. I don't.

I do wonder about your comment that using the sign means you are "blessed by the holy Trinity". What does that mean? It's not a sacrament.

EvangelCatholic · Nov 19, 2014

Resha Caner said:
I've no problem with people doing it, and some at my church do. I don't.

I do wonder about your comment that using the sign means you are "blessed by the holy Trinity". What does that mean? It's not a sacrament.

When Luther said "bless yourself" by making the sign of the holy Cross, that suggests an outward form of worship; some call a sacramental. Invoking the Holy Trinity is a mini prayer asking for God's blessing just like when we bow our heads.

Resha Caner · Nov 19, 2014

EvangelCatholic said:
When Luther said "bless yourself" by making the sign of the holy Cross, that suggests an outward form of worship; some call a sacramental. Invoking the Holy Trinity is a mini prayer asking for God's blessing just like when we bow our heads.

Thinking of it as a prayer makes sense to me. Thanks for clarifying.

SalusaSecundus · Nov 19, 2014

EvangelCatholic said:
This question has come up on other forums and am curious if Lutherans make the sign of the holy Cross in church, at home, in the car, etc.?

I was raised in parishes where the sign of the cross was practiced and remember being taught to bless ourselves in Sunday School. It seems like a very common gesture in local parishes and at synod gatherings. We also cross ourselves when we pray grace at meals.

Anyone else use this gesture to remember and be blessed by the holy Trinity?

I do at the invocation and after communion. Not many folks at my church do it though.

jacks · Nov 19, 2014

I want to do it more often, but it's not really the norm in my denomination. It does seem like a silent prayer to me and feels right.

EvangelCatholic · Nov 19, 2014

There are numerous times one can cross themselves in the Liturgy such as at the Invocation, at the Absolution when the pastor makes the sign of the cross over the congregation, at the announcement of the holy Gospel [on forehead, lips, heart], some pastors start their sermons with the holy Cross, during the Agnus Dei, the elevation of the host/ cup, after receiving holy Communion and the Benediction.

EvangelCatholic · Nov 21, 2014

Curious if some Christians cross themselves when they are in danger/ frightened?

It has become an instinct for me to cross myself when seeing a bad accident on the highway, hearing about the death of someone, during a particularly strong storm when the lights go out. Of-course, I will never forget the tragedy of 9/11 when the World Trade Center was attacked. I did not witness this horrible event first-hand but watched if unfold, like so many others, on TV. We began to cry when seeing the footage of those jumping to their death and crossed ourselves repeatedly. There is something comforting when I cross myself, asking for God's blessing/ help.

Tigger45 · Nov 21, 2014

I do bless myself with the sign of the cross and attend a Lutheran church regularly but then I was raised RC so it comes rather naturally.

RileyG · Nov 21, 2014

Yes, quite frequently, but I'm Catholic.

AngCath · Nov 22, 2014

Yes, I make the sign of the cross regularly. During the daily office, meal blessings, and of course the appropriate places during the Sunday communion liturgy.

Tangible · Nov 22, 2014

Dunstan said:
Yes, I make the sign of the cross regularly. During the daily office, meal blessings, and of course the appropriate places during the Sunday communion liturgy.

Me too. There are few in my congregation that do, but I do. I also make the sign of the cross when I walk past my church on the way to work. It's just something I like to do.

EvangelCatholic · Nov 22, 2014

EvangelCatholic said:
There are numerous times one can cross themselves in the Liturgy such as at the Invocation, at the Absolution when the pastor makes the sign of the cross over the congregation, at the announcement of the holy Gospel [on forehead, lips, heart], some pastors start their sermons with the holy Cross, during the Agnus Dei, the elevation of the host/ cup, after receiving holy Communion and the Benediction.

Edit: the Sanctus not the Agnus Dei

Systematiker · Nov 22, 2014

I do in most of the places mentioned in this thread, as well as basically every time Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are referred to (with profound bow, most of the time).

Anna the Seeker · Nov 22, 2014

I have done it rarely, but I've seen the Lutheran priests doing it. I don't see anything wrong with the gesture.

MarkRohfrietsch · Nov 22, 2014

There are a few in our congregation that do; I am among them.

It is also our practice to make the sign of the Cross at the words " and the life of the world to come" in the Nicene Creed.

Cappadocious · Nov 22, 2014

MarkRohfrietsch said:
There are a few in our congregation that do; I am among them.

It is also our practice to make the sign of the Cross at the words " and the life of the world to come" in the Nicene Creed.

That is one of the times where we make it, as well. Also at "and the Holy Spirit" and "was crucified for us" "and in one holy catholic and apostolic church", "and in one lord Jesus Christ" depending on the practice.

EvangelCatholic · Nov 22, 2014

One thing I do resent is when athletes [particularly pro athletes] make the sign of the cross before kicking a football/soccer ball, making a basket, at bat, in the ring etc.

Systematiker · Nov 22, 2014

EvangelCatholic said:
One thing I do resent is when athletes [particularly pro athletes] make the sign of the cross before kicking a football/soccer ball, making a basket, at bat, in the ring etc.

Well, now, you can't know intent. I've certainly made the sign of the cross before entering a difficult situation or endeavour, as a sort of brief prayer.

EvangelCatholic · Nov 22, 2014

PHP:

Systematiker said:
Well, now, you can't know intent. I've certainly made the sign of the cross before entering a difficult situation or endeavour, as a sort of brief prayer.

Yes, as it applies to God's protection. I really don't resent boxers making the sign of the holy Cross, for example.

But for luck or a victory in sport, I roll my eyes

Do you make the sign of the Cross?

Well-Known Member

Expert Fool

Well-Known Member

Expert Fool

Newbie

Er Victus

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Mt 9:13..."I desire mercy, not sacrifice"...

Veteran

Well-Known Member

Decision Theology = Ex Opere Operato

Well-Known Member

Newbie

Junior Member

Unapologetic Apologist

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Newbie

Well-Known Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency