why do people draw the sign of cross after prayers?

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 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 Bible quote (Matthew 28:19)

In Latin:

In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti, Amen.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

There's actually some fascinating historic background on that. Basically how it used to be (pre-Christian) is that initiates into a religious tradition were given "signs" or hand gestures they made to show those in their own temple that they were initiates or to symbolically show initiation. I hope I'm making sense. Anyway - the tradition of the symbolic gestures for initiates made it into the early Christian church. I think the sign of the cross after prayer is a Catholic thing only though, isn't it? Anyway, since the Catholics were the early church - it was just something common for any initiatory religious tradition (which Catholicism is). Many Pagan religions have initiatory gestures, too.

Answer 3

Crossing ourselves is a pious act, a declaration of our Faith and our pride in the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ who allowed Himself to be crucified for our sake and for our salvation. So making the Sign of the Cross is a reminder of the Life of Christ, His Divinity and His Living Presence in ourselves who believe and call on His Name.

As a child, I was always taught to say the following words inside me when making the Sign of the Cross, especially if I was in a situation where I was frightened or felt myself threatened in any way:

“Iisous Christos nika” – that is: “Jesus Christ conquers”

Answer 4

Constantine the origin of the cross as appeared in his vision. The truth is Jesus Christ was hung in a tree not in a cross. Roman Catholic spreading this state of the art pagan worshiped worldwide.

Answer 5

Because of tradition and the way they were raised. And some people are just copy cats

Answer 6

it's a sign of respect...back then we would ask for permission every time we needed to talk...and we had to inform people when we're done speaking so they won't think you left them hanging

Answer 7

its a closing. would u leave a business meeting without saying some kind a farewell or would u just walk out the room?

Answer 8

It makes them feel closer to God to celebrate the instrument of his sons death.

Answer 9

Perhaps it's to show their spiritual Faith ~!~

Answer 10

I don't know, its a Catholic thing.