Hey there,
When you say a prayer, I bet you’re actually saying 3 prayers.
That’s because you begin your prayer with the sign of the cross. And you end your prayer with the sign of the cross.
And you guessed it. The sign of the cross is a prayer!
It’s been around for a long time … its origins go back to the early days of the church. So early on, all Christians were making the sign of the cross. But somewhere along the way, many Protestant denominations dropped it.
So the sign of the cross has become uniquely Catholic. I’m thankful we didn’t drop it!
This week Genuflect takes a deep dive into the sign of the cross: the significance of the prayer, its origins, how to do it properly, why we do it, when to do it, and why some Protestants don’t do it.
With full understanding of this powerful prayer, we can all look for more opportunities to work it into our daily life. And the next time we see a baseball player approach the batter’s box and make the sign of the cross and kiss his thumb, we’ll know that he just said a prayer.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Everything You Need to Know
Here is everything you need to know about the sign of the cross. So if you don’t have much time, start here. You’ll learn when to do it, how to do it, and so much more.
Sign of The Cross (Everything You Need to Know!) | Catholic Icing
Significance of The Sign of The Cross
Bert Ghezzi takes us on a deep dive into understanding the sign of the cross, including when it originated, how it became an important practice, and its six signs.
Significance of The Sign of The Cross | EWTN
How to Make The Sign of The Cross
Did you know there’s a right way to make the sign of the cross? And do you know the symbolism behind the gestures? Father George Elliott has all the scoop.
The Correct Way to Make The Sign of The Cross | Catholic Link
Why Make The Sign of The Cross
Not all Christians make the sign of the cross, but it’s definitely well entrenched in the Catholic Church. Lawrence Cunningham looks at why we make the sign of the cross. And he recommends we slow down and pay more attention to what we’re doing.
Why do Catholics Make The Sign of The Cross? | US Catholic
When to Make The Sign of The Cross
We have specific times we pray the sign of the cross, like before and after a prayer. It’s a very short, yet meaningful prayer, and we should look for more opportunities to pray it. Here are 6 ways you can incorporate the sign of the cross more into your daily life.
Spiritual Weapons: The Sign of The Cross | The Catholic Gentleman
3 Tips For Making The Sign of The Cross
At times we may not think about what we’re doing when we make the sign of the cross. If this happens to you, you might want to check out these 3 tips for making the sign of the cross.
3 Tips For Making The Sign of The Cross | Aleteia
The Power of The Cross
Edward Monti makes the case for the power of the cross. He explains that it no longer is a sign of terror to be avoided, but one of love. And making the sign of the cross is a powerful form of evangelization and benediction.
The Sign of The Cross is Powerful | Catholic Stand
Why Kiss The Thumb?
Have you ever wondered why some people kiss their hand after making the sign of the cross? Well, wonder no more! Terrye Newkirk explains the meaning.
Why do Some Catholics Kiss Their Thumb After Making The Sign of The Cross? | Catholic Answers
A Catholic Thing?
While the sign of the cross is mostly a Catholic prayer, there are a few Protestant denominations who also do it. Here’s who they are … and the reasons that others shy away from the practice.
Wondering Why Protestants Don’t Make The Sign of The Cross? Get The Facts | Christianity FAQ
Answering Objections
Some do not pray the sign of the cross because they believe it is a man-made gesture. Peggy Frye explains that we need only to read the writings of the early Christians to understand the importance they placed on the sign of the cross.
Answering Objections to The Sign of The Cross | Catholic Answers
How to Make Sign of The Cross Before The Gospel
Just before the reading of the Gospel in Mass we make a sign of the cross. But that one is different. Here’s how to properly do it and the symbolism behind it.
How to Make The Sign of The Cross Before The Gospel at Mass | Aleteia
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