Prior to talking with God

[ValiantDomain]

Is it always necesary to make the sign of the cross before any kind of prayer?

I ask this because, as some of you already know, I’m not a born Catholic and am coming from a fairly lax Protestant background. Another reason I ask is because sometimes I like nothing more than to be walking or even driving and just start talking with God about what’s going on in my life, how I feel about certain things, etc. In essence, I like to treat God as my closest friend - and sometimes making the sign of the cross before these “discussions” seems awfully too formal and rigid, but, for the sake of making sure I “pray correctly” I always make it anyway.

 

[LilyM]

No it’s not necessary at all. Quite often I don’t do it myself.

Many Catholics prefer to do so, simply because the Sign of the Cross is in fact a prayer in itself - one that reaffirms our dedication to God and our desire to do all things to his glory.

It’s also a means of focusing our minds on the fact that we are about to communicate with God.

 

[Andruschak]

Is it always necesary to make the sign of the cross before any kind of prayer?

I ask this because, as some of you already know, I’m not a born Catholic and am coming from a fairly lax Protestant background. Another reason I ask is because sometimes I like nothing more than to be walking or even driving and just start talking with God about what’s going on in my life, how I feel about certain things, etc. In essence, I like to treat God as my closest friend - and sometimes making the sign of the cross before these “discussions” seems awfully too formal and rigid, but, for the sake of making sure I “pray correctly” I always make it anyway.

I don’t think it is required if you want to keep things informal. I’m sure God understands. I had Spiritual Counseling awhile ago, and the Nun wanted me to start writing letters to God. No opening prayers or sign of the cross. Just paper and pen and Dear God followed by whatever comes out. Totally informal. I am more formal, complete with SOTC, when reciting Compline, rosaries, or chaplets. But these are more structured situations.

Hopes this helps out, but remember these are only OPINIONS, not endorsed by my three cats