Why do the catholics use the "cross" in praying?

Question

technically, Jesus did not die on a cross but he died on a stake... If he died on a cross, why r u using it while u r praying? Think about this, If your family member is murdered with a knife, would you bring that to his grave at the same time pray?

Answer 1

I open my hand and touch my brow, and say,
"In the name of the Father"

Then I touch my heart with my hand, and say,
"and of the Son."

I touch my shoulders left and right, and say,
"and of the Holy Spirit"

I say,
"Amen."

The prayer of the Sign of the Cross is
- A statement of belief in the Holy Trinity
- A statement of belief in and thanksgiving for Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross
- God blessing us
- Us Blessing God ("I will bless the Lord at all times")
- A prayer using your entire body
- A quote from the Bible (Matthew 28:19)

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

The cross was not just the object that helped kill Jesus Christ. It is also the symbol of His love for us, of God's love for us, and of His sacrifice. Showing respect for the cross (to me) is similar to putting a flag on the casket of a soldier who died for his country-the flag symbolizes his sacrifice.

The cross symbolizes all of the pain that Jesus went through for us. Seeing this symbol makes us aware of God's gift, and reminds us that we should be thankful for the gift and live our lives the way He would want us to.

The shape of this symbol is unimportant-the importance is the meaning behind it.

Answer 3

Jesus DID die on a CROSS. He was CRUCIFIED on the CROSS.

What do you mean "Catholics use the "cross" in praying?"

The SIGN of the Cross?

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and the Holy Ghost (Spirit) Amen.


WHEN we cross ourselves, let it be with a real sign of the cross. Instead of a small cramped gesture that gives no notion of its meaning, let us make a large unhurried sign, from forehead to breast, from shoulder to shoulder, consciously feeling how it includes the whole of us, our thoughts, our attitudes, our body and soul, every part of us at once. how it consecrates and sanctifies us.
It does so because it is the Sign of the universe and the sign of our redemption. On the cross Christ redeemed mankind. By the cross he sanctifies man to the last shred and fibre of his being. We make the sign of the cross before we pray to collect and compose ourselves and to fix our minds and hearts and wills upon God. We make it when we finish praying in order that we may hold fast the gift we have received from God. In temptations we sign ourselves to be strengthened; in dangers, to be protected. The cross is signed upon us in blessings in order that the fulness of God's life may flow into the soul and fructify and sanctify us wholly.

Think of these things when you make the sign of the cross. It is the holiest of all signs. Make a large cross, taking time, thinking what you do. Let it take in your whole being,--body, soul, mind, will, thoughts, feelings, your doing and not-doing,-- and by signing it with the cross strengthen and consecrate the whole in the strength of Christ, in the name of the triune God.


Making the sign of the cross simply says:
I am God's child. My baptism makes that sure.

The Sign of the Cross
by The Rev. Robert M. Zagore, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Niles, Michigan
From The Lutheran Witness, September 1999, page 14
"Pastor, I don't know how to pray; there isn't a single word that comes to my head." Alice's son lay dying. Dread and tears were the only things that came easily to her right now.

"Alice," the pastor answered, "what you need then is a wordless prayer. When you don't know what to pray, make the sign of the cross."

Her eyes opened as wide as her grief-swollen lids would allow. "I've never really done that. I don't think I know how."

The pastor's hand traced a cross in the air, touching his forehead, heart and shoulders. "The person who makes the sign of the cross is simply saying, 'I am God's child. My baptism makes that sure. Whatever happens, I will rest securely knowing my heavenly Father is watching over me. Even if I cannot pray, Christ my Savior is interceding for me, and the Holy Spirit will keep me safe by His grace.'"

"But, isn't that a Catholic thing?" Alice asked.

"No," said the pastor, "it comes from a time before there were Lutherans and Catholics. People have been doing this in the church since at least the second century. Some people think it was even done during the time of the apostles."

Alice looked puzzled. "Then, why don't Lutherans do it?"

The pastor laughed. "They do! At every service I make the sign of the cross over the congregation at the Invocation and the Benediction. It's even in the Small Catechism. Luther taught that, in the morning, when you rise up, make the sign of the holy cross and say, 'In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.' That reminds us that, in spite of our sin, God will hear our prayers because Jesus has died for us."

Alice stood, and made the sign of the cross. Then, she reached over and signed the cross in the air above her son. "He is baptized, too, Pastor. The promise is for both him and for me. His Father will take care of him."

The pastor laughed again, but this time to hold back tears. "Alice, you are very wise."

Answer 4

technically? where you get that info. jesus died in the cross i think you should study and research more.. we symbolize it for being a followers of jesus.

Answer 5

the sign of the cross was already a common thing in the early church:

Tertullian
"In all our travels and movements, in all our coming in and going out, in putting on our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our foreheads with the sign of the cross" (De corona, 30 AD 201).

Jerome
"[A woman with three sick children came to St. Hilarion and] on reaching the saint she said: 'I pray you by Jesus our most merciful God . . . to restore to me my three sons, so that the name of our Lord and Savior may be glorified in the city of the gentiles. Then shall his servants enter Gaza and the idol Marnas shall fall to the ground.' At first he refused and said that he never left his cell . . . [but] the woman did not leave him till he promised he would enter Gaza after sunset. On coming thither he made the sign of the cross over the bed and fevered limbs of each [child] and called upon the name of Jesus. Marvelous efficacy of the name! . . . in that very hour they took food, recognized the mourning mother, and with thanks to God warmly kissed the saint's hands" (Life of St. Hilarion 14 [A.D. 390]).

Answer 6

to remember that jesus died on the cross? dont know

Answer 7

not only did jesus die on that cross but he had to carry it. Catholics pray on a rosary. each bead on that rosery represents a prayer.

Answer 8

well answers above are claiming Cross to be like kind of personification of God or His power ..(horizontak stick, vertical stick etc)

What about the statement in Old Testament - "Do not create similarity of God ( niether made of metal, stone and other materials)..not to pray idols.".
May be it is not in a New Testament which Christians are following but they should accept whole Bible ..No? Or Old testament is not part of their bible anymore?

Answer 9

Here I am,
Because humans are easily made to apply their carnal ways to nearly everything. It's so damn obvious that it's an idol. Even more so since it's being used in worship.

Answer 10

Because carrying an empty tomb with a moved stone around your neck was too difficult...