I'm Having Trouble Making the Sign of the Cross

[Ricky_C]

For the past few weeks, I’ve been having a stressful time praying the Sign of the Cross, because I don’t feel like I’m giving it the sincerity it deserves. I just don’t feel like I’m praying in the name of all three persons of the Trinity, with the Holy Spirit being the most difficult for me to say; does anyone have any advice on how I can stop being hurt trying to say this prayer? Thanks in advance, and may God bless you!

 

[bardegaulois]

Stop worrying about whether you’re being sincere, and just do it. God is not offended that you’re not be so devoted as a saint in glory, because none of us on this earth are. Indeed, he’s rather you talk to Him and than forgo the opportunity because you think you are not worthy. None of us are, only becoming so through grace. So avail yourself of those graces. Next you will be saying that you can’t say any other prayers, or assist at Holy Mass. Get a hold of yourself now before it starts going downhill.

If you are suffering scruples, please make an appointment with your confessor as soon as possible.

 

[St_Francis]

God understands that our feelings are not entirely under our control, bit our decisions are. The fact that you are deciding to do this is what counts, so don’t worry about your feelings.

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

By over-concentrating on concentrating does it mean that you don’t trust your own mind to just plain function? It doesn’t have to always give you the same feedback!

 

[StGerardMajella]

For the past few weeks, I’ve been having a stressful time praying the Sign of the Cross, because I don’t feel like I’m giving it the sincerity it deserves. I just don’t feel like I’m praying in the name of all three persons of the Trinity, with the Holy Spirit being the most difficult for me to say; does anyone have any advice on how I can stop being hurt trying to say this prayer? Thanks in advance, and may God bless you!

Maybe you could try a different type of Sign of the Cross - such as the Sign of the Cross utilized by the Carthusian monks, one of our most holiest monastic order.

The Carthusians make the Sign of the Cross with their forefinger, thumb, and middle finger together, and make a wide sweeping Sign of the Cross across their person - forehead, lower belly, far left shoulder, far right shoulder. (You can find pictures of the placement of the hand/fingers online if this explanation doesn’t make sense.)

You might also try to make the Sign of the Cross after dipping your hand into holy water. If you are praying at home, you can utilize holy water from the local church. Make the Sign of the Cross more sanctified in this way and it might help.