Regarding 'The Sign of the Cross'

[sw_myers]

What is the proper usage for this prayer and action? Before prayer? After prayer? reading the bible? meals?

I only ask because really the only time I’ve seen it used is in movies as a sign to ward off evil. So really I have no idea when it should really be used?

 

[Karen1996]

sw_myers:

What is the proper usage for this prayer and action? Before prayer? After prayer? reading the bible? meals?

I only ask because really the only time I’ve seen it used is in movies as a sign to ward off evil. So really I have no idea when it should really be used?

You can make the Sign of the Cross anytime you like, want, or need to. Each time we do this, it reminds us of our baptismal promises, and reminds us that we belong to Christ, and we should do everything for Him and in His name.

I think this link will be helpful to you:

ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/ZSIGNCRO.HTM

 

[Linnyo]

Before a football match is always a good time!

 

[MulusChristi]

sw_myers:

What is the proper usage for this prayer and action?

as often as possible, but remember the seriousness of the invocation.

sw_myers:

Before prayer?

yes

sw_myers:

After prayer?

yes

sw_myers:

reading the bible?

yes

sw_myers:

meals?

yes

sw_myers:

I only ask because really the only time I’ve seen it used is in movies as a sign to ward off evil. So really I have no idea when it should really be used?

You are right to be skeptical of movies because the sign of the cross is typically used as a joke in them.

It is good to begin and end everything with this prayer.

 

[beckyann2597]

Karen1996:

You can make the Sign of the Cross anytime you like, want, or need to. Each time we do this, it reminds us of our baptismal promises, and reminds us that we belong to Christ, and we should do everything for Him and in His name.

I think this link will be helpful to you:

ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/ZSIGNCRO.HTM

I agree with this post completley. I also wanted to add that the sign of the cross is a prayer in itself. It is the first prayer I teach my children. You know how it has become popular to teach infants sign language because they can communicate by action and comprehend before they can effectivly use speech? I think it is so cool that God gives us, his children, so many ways to praise him.
I have never seen this prayer used to ward off evil, but before a difficult situation I have done this prayer to reconnect myself with my baptismal promise to Christ. I kind of say to God, “I know we are in this together…Lets go!” Perhaps the people the original poster saw making the sign of the cross were not ‘warding off evil spirits’, but it was just interpreted that way?

Nevermind…I just reread the original post and I agree with the other post that said that movies often misuse the sign of the cross. I missed the ‘in movies’ reference in the op.

 

[Karen1996]

beckyann2597:

I agree with this post completley. I also wanted to add that the sign of the cross is a prayer in itself. It is the first prayer I teach my children. You know how it has become popular to teach infants sign language because they can communicate by action and comprehend before they can effectivly use speech? I think it is so cool that God gives us, his children, so many ways to praise him.
I have never seen this prayer used to ward off evil, but before a difficult situation I have done this prayer to reconnect myself with my baptismal promise to Christ. I kind of say to God, “I know we are in this together…Lets go!” Perhaps the people the original poster saw making the sign of the cross were not ‘warding off evil spirits’, but it was just interpreted that way?

Nevermind…I just reread the original post and I agree with the other post that said that movies often misuse the sign of the cross. I missed the ‘in movies’ reference in the op.

I agree, the Sign of the Cross is often, unfortunately, sometimes misused in movies. However, it is true that it is a defense against the devil and his attacks. The early church fathers taught this. See the link I posted above.

 

[Danw]

There is a great book: The Sign of the Cross, Recovering the Power of the Ancient Prayer

The author is Bert Ghezzi and he shows how this “simple gesture is actually a powerful prayer.”

I recommend it.

 

[jimmy]

sw_myers:

What is the proper usage for this prayer and action? Before prayer? After prayer? reading the bible? meals?

I only ask because really the only time I’ve seen it used is in movies as a sign to ward off evil. So really I have no idea when it should really be used?

The sign of the cross is a profession of faith. It is a prayer saying that we profess the Trinity. I normally do it before and after all my prayers. If you go to mass you will see it a lot there.

 

[Michael038]

sw_myers:

What is the proper usage for this prayer and action? Before prayer? After prayer? reading the bible? meals?

I only ask because really the only time I’ve seen it used is in movies as a sign to ward off evil. So really I have no idea when it should really be used?

As far as I know, we Catholics begin all prayers with the sign of the cross.