Sign of the Cross Prayer
A Prayer of the Rosary
Introduction
The Sign of the Cross is a small act with a great claim. With one movement and one holy Name, a believer places mind, heart, and strength under the Cross of Christ. This sign is both prayer and pledge: a prayer to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and a pledge to live as God’s people in every place and hour. The Church learned this from the Lord’s own word: “Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19, Douay-Rheims). Made with care, the Sign becomes a clear symbol of faith, a daily confession of who Jesus is and who we are in Him. What follows explains what the Sign is, where it comes from in Scripture and history, the right way to make it, how the Church uses it, and how to live it with love.
What Is the Sign of the Cross?
The Sign of the Cross is one of the most familiar actions in Catholic life. It begins and ends most prayers and is used in liturgy, sacraments, and personal devotion. Though simple, it carries deep meaning tied to the central mysteries of the Christian faith.
The Sign That Marks Us as God’s People
The Sign of the Cross is a short prayer and gesture used by Catholics to express faith in the Holy Trinity and to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is made by touching the forehead, chest, and shoulders while saying:
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
This action has two main parts:
The Words – They come directly from Christ’s command in Matthew 28:19 to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The Gesture – The movement of the hand forms the shape of a cross, recalling the instrument of our salvation.
The Sign of the Cross identifies a person as a Christian. It reminds the faithful of their baptism, through which they were first marked with the cross and claimed for Christ. From the earliest centuries, Christians used this sign as a visible mark of belonging to God’s people and as a way to begin every prayer with reverence.
In summary, the Sign of the Cross is:
A profession of faith in the Trinity.
A reminder of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross.
A mark of Christian identity and belonging to the Church.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
The words spoken during the Sign of the Cross are not random or symbolic—they come directly from Jesus Christ and express the central mystery of the Christian faith.
The phrase “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” comes from the words of Jesus after His Resurrection, when He gave His apostles their mission:
“Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
(Matthew 28:19, DR)
This command is known as the Trinitarian formula. It expresses belief in the Holy Trinity—one God in three divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Every time a Catholic makes the Sign of the Cross, this truth is proclaimed and professed.
These words are important because they:
Recall Baptism, when the Christian is first marked with the name of the Trinity.
Declare the Faith, affirming belief in God as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Sanctify the moment, calling upon God’s presence and blessing in all we do.
When spoken with understanding, this short phrase transforms the Sign of the Cross from a habit into an act of worship and confession of faith, linking each person to the life of the Most Holy Trinity.
A Symbol of Faith, Identity, and Belief
The Sign of the Cross is more than a personal habit or religious tradition—it is a visible symbol of what Catholics believe and who they are.
First, it is a symbol of faith. Every time a Catholic makes the Sign of the Cross, it is a public and personal statement that they believe in the one true God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. It is a way to profess the same faith handed down from the apostles.
Second, it is a symbol of identity. The Cross was the means by which Jesus redeemed the world, and the Christian is spiritually marked by that same Cross through Baptism. St. Paul affirms this spiritual identity:
“And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man be troublesome to me; for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body.”
(Galatians 6:16–17, Douay–Rheims)
Finally, it is a symbol of belief. The Sign expresses the whole mystery of salvation: creation by the Father, redemption by the Son, and sanctification by the Holy Ghost. It shows the Catholic’s belief in Christ’s death, His Resurrection, and His continuing work in the world.
Used with reverence, the Sign of the Cross is a clear expression of Catholic belief, rooted in Scripture, tradition, and the living faith of the Church.
Biblical and Historical Roots
The Sign of the Cross is not a modern invention. It is rooted in Sacred Scripture and was practiced by the early Christians. Understanding these foundations helps us see the Sign not just as a gesture, but as part of the Church’s ancient and living faith.
The Sign in Scripture: God's Mark on His People
Though the physical gesture is not described in the Bible, the concept of a sign marking God’s people is found in both the Old and New Testaments.
In the Old Testament, God commands a visible sign to be placed on the faithful:
“And the Lord said to him: Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem: and mark Thau upon the foreheads of the men that sigh, and mourn for all the abominations that are committed in the midst thereof.”
(Ezechiel 9:4, Douay–Rheims)
The mark “Thau” (the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet) was written in the form of a cross. Early Christians saw this as a foreshadowing of the cross of Christ.
In the New Testament, the faithful are again marked as belonging to God:
“Saying: Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, till we sign the servants of our God in their foreheads.”
(Apocalypse 7:3, Douay–Rheims)
These passages show that God’s people are visibly marked for Him—a theme carried forward in Christian life through the Sign of the Cross.
The Cross in the Early Church
The Cross was a central symbol for the first Christians, even though it was an instrument of shame in Roman times. They quickly came to see it as a sign of Christ’s victory.
The early Church Fathers wrote about the use of the Sign of the Cross:
Tertullian (c. 200 A.D.) said:
“In all our travels and movements, in all our coming in and going out… we mark our foreheads with the sign.”
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (4th century) taught Christians to make the Sign:
“Let us not be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Let us boldly make the Sign of the Cross on the forehead…”
This shows that Christians used the Sign of the Cross from the earliest centuries—not as a superstition, but as a sign of faith and identity.
A Sacred Tradition: The Way the Sign Developed
Originally, Christians made the Sign of the Cross by tracing a small cross on the forehead. By the fourth century, it evolved into the larger gesture across the body that we use today.
By the Middle Ages, the gesture was deeply woven into the life of the Church:
Used to begin and end prayers.
Made during blessings and sacraments.
Practiced by both clergy and laity.
Though the exact form varies between the Western and Eastern Churches, the meaning is the same: to proclaim faith in the Trinity and the Cross of Christ.
How and When to Use It
The Sign of the Cross is used throughout Catholic life—for prayer, worship, blessings, and spiritual protection. Though simple, it is performed with purpose and meaning. This section explains how it is made, when it is used, and what it means spiritually.
The Way We Make the Sign of the Cross
Catholics make the Sign of the Cross by using the right hand to touch:
Forehead – “In the name of the Father”
Chest – “and of the Son”
Left shoulder, then right shoulder – “and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
This is the Western (Latin Rite) form. In the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches, the order of the shoulders is reversed: right to left.
In the Eastern tradition, the hand is also shaped to express belief:
Three fingers together – for the Trinity.
Two fingers folded down – for the two natures of Christ.
Regardless of the form, the gesture is an act of devotion and confession of faith. It should be made reverently, not rushed or careless.
The Cross in Catholic Life: When God’s People Use It
The Sign of the Cross is used at many important moments:
Beginning and ending all prayers.
At Mass – by the priest and congregation.
During sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders.
In blessings – by a priest over people or objects, or by the faithful over themselves.
In daily life – upon waking, before meals, during danger, before travel, or when entering a church.
It is also used in devotional practices, such as the Rosary, where each prayer begins with the Sign of the Cross.
Spiritual Power in a Simple Symbol
The Sign of the Cross is not only a profession of belief but also a spiritual protection. It invokes the power of God and reminds the faithful of their baptismal seal—the mark that they belong to Christ.
St. Paul wrote:
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.”
(Galatians 6:14, Douay–Rheims)
The gesture unites the believer to the Cross of Christ and expresses their willingness to follow Him in word and action. It is both a prayer and a sign of surrender to the will of God.
The Sign of the Cross in the Church
The Sign of the Cross is not just a private devotion; it is an important part of the Church’s public worship and sacramental life. This section explains how it is used by both clergy and laypeople, how it reflects Church teaching, and how it is shared across Christian traditions.
The Lord’s Blessing: Clergy and Laity Together
In the liturgy and sacraments, the priest or deacon uses the Sign of the Cross to bless people and objects. This is a sacred action tied to holy orders, where the ordained act in the person of Christ.
However, laypeople also use the Sign of the Cross:
To bless themselves.
To bless their children or meals.
To begin and end prayer.
While laypeople do not confer sacramental blessings, they may use the Sign of the Cross as a sign of faith and trust in God’s protection.
The Symbol of Unity and Tradition
The Church teaches that the Sign of the Cross is a visible expression of the truths of the faith:
The Trinity – One God in three Persons.
The Incarnation – The Son of God became man and died on the Cross.
The Redemption – Salvation through Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.
It is deeply tied to the Church’s teaching and tradition, showing up throughout the Catechism, sacramental rites, and liturgical prayers. It is one of the most recognizable Catholic actions, uniting believers around the world.
Shared by Many: How Christians Around the World Use the Sign
While most associated with Roman Catholics, the Sign of the Cross is also used by:
Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches – with different hand motions and theology, but the same core meaning.
Some Anglicans, Lutherans, and Methodists – especially in liturgical settings.
Christians throughout history – including the Church Fathers and early martyrs.
Its widespread use shows the universal Christian desire to honor Christ and call upon the Trinity. Despite variations, the Sign remains a powerful connection to the ancient faith of the Apostles.
Living the Sign of the Cross
The Sign of the Cross is not only used in church or formal prayer—it is meant to be part of a Catholic’s daily life. This section explains how to teach it, practice it regularly, and use it as a quiet but powerful witness to the faith.
Teaching the Sign: Forming the Faith of God’s People
The Sign of the Cross is often the first prayer children learn. Teaching it with care lays a strong foundation for their understanding of God.
When teaching the Sign:
Explain the words and what they mean.
Demonstrate the gesture slowly and reverently.
Connect it to Baptism, where they were first claimed for Christ.
Catechists and parents should also teach when and why to use the Sign—so that it becomes part of the child’s spiritual habits, not just a memorized motion.
Making It a Daily Way of Life
The Sign of the Cross is a simple act with deep meaning, meant to be used often:
Upon waking and before sleep.
Before meals and work.
When entering a church.
In times of fear, temptation, or suffering.
St. Paul reminds the faithful to live in Christ:
“And whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
(Colossians 3:17, Douay–Rheims)
Using the Sign of the Cross at these moments helps Catholics bring God into every part of life—not just formal prayer times.
A Wordless Witness: Explaining the Sign by Living It
Making the Sign of the Cross in public—before meals, entering church, or even before travel—can quietly show others what we believe.
It is not done to impress or be seen, but as a witness to faith. It can spark curiosity, lead to conversations, and remind Catholics and non-Catholics alike that Christ is at the center of our lives.
In a culture that often forgets God, this small act is a way to stand firm:
In faith (the Trinity),
In hope (the Cross of Christ),
And in charity (love of God and neighbor).
Conclusion
Let the Sign of the Cross be more than a habit—let it be your way of beginning and ending every good work. Trace the Cross slowly, call on the Name with faith, and teach your children to do the same. Make it at home and in church, before meals and before sleep, in danger and in gratitude. In a loud world, this wordless witness still speaks. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14, Douay-Rheims). If the Sign marks your day, the Cross will shape your heart; and the Lord, whose sign you bear, will be near in every prayer, every step, and every need.
Frequently Asked Questions
A short prayer and gesture that proclaims faith in the Holy Trinity, recalls Christ’s Cross, and asks God’s blessing and protection.
Christ commanded baptism “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt 28:19, Douay-Rheims), and the early Church—witnessed by St. Basil and St. Cyril—handed on the practice as apostolic tradition.
With the right hand: forehead (“In the name of the Father”), chest (“and of the Son”), left shoulder then right shoulder (“and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”).
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Charles Rogers is a resident of South Carolina and a retired computer programmer by trade. Raised in various Christian denominations, he always believed in Jesus Christ. In 2012, he began experiencing authentic spiritual encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led him on a seven-year journey at her hand, that included alcohol addiction, a widow maker heart attack and death and conversion to the Catholic Faith. He is the exclusive author and owner of Two Percent Survival, a website dedicated to and created in honor of the Holy Mother. Feel free to email Charles at twopercentsurvival@gmail.com.
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