Why don't Lutherans cross themselves?

[Tofferer]

East? Why east?

Because that is how my trailer happens to lay, in an east to west direction and I prefer not to pray facing the kitchen.

 

[Tofferer]

Mecca.

If I were to pray towards the east due to a specific city, it would be Bethlehem, which is also to the east of here (as well as to the west of here, but I have this peculiar desire not to pray facing the kitchen).

 

[mrshoperose]

What little quirks do you have? If you won't tell me, I'll get it out of your wife. Vee have vays of making people talk, lest you forget. A little German chocolate and she'll be singing like a canary.

Not German chocolate, but if you had some chocolate covered cherries..........

 

[GratiaCorpusChristi]

If I were to pray towards the east due to a specific city, it would be Bethlehem, which is also to the east of here (as well as to the west of here, but I have this peculiar desire not to pray facing the kitchen).

I'm kidding, of course.

 

[Zecryphon]

Not German chocolate, but if you had some chocolate covered cherries..........

That can be arranged.

Better watch your P's and Q's mister! And don't forget to cross your T's and dot your I's or eyes. I get confused. The onset of "old timers" is right around the corner. Probably have it before I'm 40. LOL

 

[Radiata]

Hmmm, my alter faces west.

 

[Tofferer]

Hmmm, my alter faces west.

Not certain that it really matters. I am just working with how my home is sitting.

 

[RadMan]

Not certain that it really matters. I am just working with how my home is sitting.

I don't understand this facing a certain direction when praying. Where'd that come from. I pray no matter where I am. "Pray without ceasing" doesn't need a direction to face towards.

 

[seajoy]

I don't understand this facing a certain direction when praying. Where'd that come from. I pray no matter where I am. "Pray without ceasing" doesn't need a direction to face towards.

Amen!

 

[synger]

I think it's an early morning thing. Sun rises in the east.

"When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me!"

 

[RadMan]

A new Lutheran hymn? I heard that at a Charismatic church a few times.

 

[synger]

Lutheran Book of Worship #212, if my googling is correct.

 

[Tofferer]

Lutheran Book of Worship #212, if my googling is correct.

Yes, it is called "Let Us Break Bread Together". It has only three verses and the refrain. The bottom of the page states that it is a "negro spiritual". I only know because I have the LBW sitting on my lap presently. I also have a copy of the WOV, a hymnal that I almost entirely detest.

 

[mrshoperose]

Yes, it is called "Let Us Break Bread Together". It has only three verses and the refrain. The bottom of the page states that it is a "negro spiritual". I only know because I have the LBW sitting on my lap presently. I also have a copy of the WOV, a hymnal that I almost entirely detest.

It's because of the songs under the "index" of "Feminine Images of God"............like "Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth" and others.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

It's because of the songs under the "index" of "Feminine Images of God"............like "Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth" and others.

Sorry, couldn't help it.

 

[mrshoperose]

Sorry, couldn't help it.

Hey, it's ok, we totally agree!

 

[PostTribber]

That's a fairly judgmental view. How are you, who gets to judge the motivations of your friend?

Or does Christ's commend refrain from judgment not apply when something looks Catholic?

please notice the thread asks the question: Why Don't Lutherans Cross Themselves? you haven't answered the question. instead, you judged me! but I will say this; Jesus didn't cross Himself, that's good enough for me. don't see any reason to get upset over it. and regardless if one crosses themselves or not, remember, "it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2)

 

[RadMan]

I come from a brief Catholic background and the making of the sign of the cross was practiced during worship. Also Luther wrote we should use it as well and it dates back to very early Christian history as a valid practice. Yet when I attend the Lutheran church I don't see anyone crossing themselves at all and especially when the minister declares his blessing upon us in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit?

I want to cross myself, but if I do I would feel "looked upon" as an oddball by everyone around me? What is your advice and just why don't Lutherans cross themselves anyway when Luther himself said we should?

I've crossed a few Lutherans since I've been here.

 

[Melethiel]

please notice the thread asks the question: Why Don't Lutherans Cross Themselves? you haven't answered the question. instead, you judged me! but I will say this; Jesus didn't cross Himself, that's good enough for me. don't see any reason to get upset over it. and regardless if one crosses themselves or not, remember, "it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2)

Actually, he did answer the question. The answer was "we do".

 

[Tofferer]

Actually, he did answer the question. The answer was "we do".

Amen! I, personally, have done that at a Baptist church a few times. I got some funny looks, but the pastor seemed to understand.