The Sign of the Cross

The Sign of the Cross

Customs can be powerful things!  And helpful!  Shaking hands as we meet someone or hugging as we greet a friend are "secular" examples.  Christians folding their hands or bowing their heads or closing their eyes when they pray are religious examples.  Sometimes our actions help us focus and express things.  This is one of the oldest and most universal of all Christian worship practices.

History of the "Sign of the Cross"

This practice has its roots in the first or second century with Baptism.  This gesture was made to express the Trinity as the person was baptized "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  It was made twice--on the forehead and once on the heart. By the third century, it was universal and widely used in worship.  Around the year 200 in Carthage (modern Tunisia, Africa), Tertullian says: "We Christians wear out our foreheads with the Sign of the Cross".

WHY the "Sign?"  What are the Reasons?

The Sign of the Cross signifies, recalls and celebrates the following:

  

     -  Our Baptism, and that we are His children - His own, we belong to Him!

     -  God's mercy and grace!

     -  The Trinity

     -  Our thankful hearts!  It's a sign or act of thanksgiving.

     -  It sometimes has a prayer aspect; the Sign is expressing our trust in God or our prayer for 

        God's intervention (Ever see baseball players Cross themselves as they come to bat?).

HOW is the Sign done?  And WHEN?

Traditionally, it's done in this order:  head, heart, RIGHT shoulder, LEFT shoulder (often back 

to heart).  Catholics reversed the order after the time of Luther now going to left shoulder first. Anglicans/Episcopalians followed the Catholic change but Lutherans typically stick to the older, traditional way -- going to the right shoulder first.  But Lutherans (not being picky about customs) welcome either way and you'll find Lutherans doing it either way (it's perfectly okay).  Typically it's done with the thumb and two fingers touching, also indicating the Trinity.

Like nearly all Lutheran pastors, Our Pastor leads it, as leader of our congregation. Pastor leads it with what's called "the open Sign".  Examples are at the Invocation, the Benediction, and after receiving Christ in the Sacrament;  as the worship leader, I'm LEADING you in doing the Sign. It's ENTIRELY optional if you respond with it.  A century ago, ALL Lutherans did - now (especially in the USA)...not so much.  It's totally up to you. But doesn't this...well...make you...um...well....Catholic?

No more than if you sing hymns or fold your hands when you pray or proclaim the Nicene Creed or celebrate Communion or have Scripture readings - Catholics do those too!

Typically, it's done whenever the Trinity is proclaimed (such as the Invocation and Benediction) and after receiving Christ in Communion.  Again, the pastor LEADS, suggesting when it's appropriate.