Do you "cross" yourself?

[greenonion]

I was surfing the official UMC website and stumbled across this FAQ http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1432 , asking if it is "ok" for a Methodist to cross :crossrc: themself. The question was answered by a Director of the General Board of Discipleship, who sounded pretty enthusiastic about the idea. A few years ago, after returning to the UMC from the Catholic tradition, I asked my pastor the same thing- if it was ok to continue crossing myself before prayer. He responded that it was more than acceptable, and a good, physical reminder of Christ within us. (I'm glad we are such a tolerant denomination.) That is part of the reason why I make the sign of the cross before prayer- I think of it as a little self -rededication to Christ each time I pray. As I make the sign of the cross over my chest, I think of it as a visual reminder that He is in my heart and living within me. Just the way I think.

I continue to cross myself, and am pleased to see I am not the only Methodist that does so. Do any of you Methodists (or other Protestants) do the same? Have you known any Methodists that do? How do you feel about it? :)

[kierkegaard214]

I don't, which is odd because I was an episcopalian before a Methodist. But I guess I just fell out of the habit.

I don't see anything wrong with it at all, in fact I still wonder why most Methodists don't.

If it helps you remember Christ then by all means do it often.

One of the choir members at my church is also the organizer of the acolytes and he does it all teh time. In fact our senior minister did a sermon on it once saying that there is nothing wrong with it.

[Adammi]

I am Pentecostal and I don't, though I would like to. I would prefer the eastern style though, :crosseo: . It is much more ancient than the western style,:crossrc: .

[Qyöt27]

I don't, but that's simply because I wasn't raised to, and it feels awkward for me. I do admire those that do, though. I think it's a great reminder of a lot of different aspects of faith.

in fact I still wonder why most Methodists don't.

I think the reason most Methodists don't do it is because their ancestors wanted to distance themselves from High churches, and it's just been passed down as something that they aren't taught to do. Others that convert to Methodism from one of the High churches may have had a bad experience with their time there and don't want to remember it, or think that it's not appropriate because they're Protestant now.

[romaneagle13]

I am Episcopalian and many of us do (myself included). A lot of Lutherans do too.

[ChrisLockhart]

I must admit that I would neither know how, nor know the significance to the motion.

[seeking.IAM]

In my discontent with the UMC of which I am a member I have visited other traditions including Episcolpalian & Orthodox. I have added the sign of the cross to my practice in my private worship. In my public worship, I confess I stop and think about where I am: okay this week do I do it at all (UMC), am I in a left-to-right church (ECUSA), or a right-to-left church (Orthodox)?

:crosseo:
seeking.IAM

[Rebirth In Flames]

I only do it when I pray alone. Because no one in my congregation does it, I don’t do it in my public worship because I don’t want to draw attention to myself or distract anyone else to any degree. When I do it alone, I treat it as a sacrament- meaning that I do it as an outward expression to God in remembrance, not that I do it to become saved or earn favor with anyone.

[Diane_Windsor]

I do so in my private prayers, and I also cross myself before/after receiving communion. I catch myself sometimes cross myself during Baptist services out of habit. I strongly encourage others to adopt the practice.

Diane
:wave:

[svdbygrace]

I cross myself often even as a Baptist (outside of the church of course ;) ). I am a former Baptist, Non-denominational, seeking to become an Anglican (Episcopalian). :crossrc:

Christ's Peace! :liturgy:

[Diane_Windsor]

I cross myself often even as a Baptist (outside of the church of course ;) ). I am a former Baptist, Non-denominational, seeking to become an Anglican (Episcopalian). :crossrc:

I'm close behind you friend :) I'm currently Sotuhern Baptist, but am seriously considering the jump to Methodism-daughter of Anglicanism.

Diane
:crosseo:

[Rising_Suns]

Hmmmm, there is a similar thread in the Baptist forum. It's interesting to see the difference in opinion on this.

Being Catholic, I, of course, cross myself too. :thumbsup:

Blessings,

-Davide

[Konstantinos]

yes very intersting. I cross myself all the time.

[Celticflower]

I must admit that I would neither know how, nor know the significance to the motion.

Could somebody post a quickie lesson for those of us who are fairly clueless as to this. I must confess that I am intrigued by the practice, but would like to know more so that I may understand and appreciate the full meaning.

[Konstantinos]

by making the sign of the cross it shows that you and Christ have an inseperable bond. also it shows that you remember his sacrifice for mankind.

[Diane_Windsor]

Could somebody post a quickie lesson for those of us who are fairly clueless as to this. I must confess that I am intrigued by the practice, but would like to know more so that I may understand and appreciate the full meaning.

Here (Crossing yourself) is the thread in the Baptist forum. Here is my response (http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=16472154&postcount=19) to a person asking the same question:

Have you asked in the other forums?

Scripture, Tradition, Reason - Anglican (http://www.christianforums.com/f368-scripture-tradition-reason-anglican.html)
One Bread, One Body - Catholic (http://www.christianforums.com/f26-one-bread-one-body-catholic.html)
The Ancient Way - Eastern Orthodox (http://www.christianforums.com/f145-the-ancient-way-eastern-orthodox.html)
Coptic & Oriental Orthodox (http://www.christianforums.com/f449-coptic-oriental-orthodox.html)
Theologia Crucis - Confessional Lutherans (http://www.christianforums.com/f367-theologia-crucis-confessional-lutherans.html)

I found this at a Disciples of Christ minister's website: How to Cross Yourself (http://www.kencollins.com/how-01.htm)

Here is a an article from the Catholic Encyclopedia: Sign of the Cross (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13785a.htm)

I'm sure members of the above forums can give you more information.

Diane
:)

[WiredSpirit]

I'm close behind you friend :) I'm currently Sotuhern Baptist, but am seriously considering the jump to Methodism-daughter of Anglicanism.

Diane
:crosseo:

Is there anything I can say to hasten the change? (I am a recovering Baptist)





We have donuts!?!?!

[Latreia]

I found this at a Disciples of Christ minister's website: How to Cross Yourself (http://www.kencollins.com/how-01.htm)


Here is a an article from the Catholic Encyclopedia: Sign of the Cross (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13785a.htm)

I'm sure members of the above forums can give you more information.

Diane
:)

Many thanks for the cross information in the two links! I have always loved seeing the graceful gesture performed, especially when done with reverence. When I see others do it, as an expression of devotion and worship, it brings joy and peace to my heart. So it may sound strange to say that, for me to do it feels as tho I am blessing myself and asking to be blessed and protected. Thus it feels unnatural should I perform the gesture. What does feel good and proper for me to remind myself to take up my cross and follow Jesus is to simply hold the cross on my necklace. I do that when I pray, or give thanks or say grace at table. I hold it to remind myself to surrender to the will of God and to confirm my grateful membership with all other Christians.

Enjoyed this thread, just wanted to contribute and share.

Agape

:crossrc:

[herev]

I was surfing the official UMC website and stumbled across this FAQ http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1432 , asking if it is "ok" for a Methodist to cross :crossrc: themself. The question was answered by a Director of the General Board of Discipleship, who sounded pretty enthusiastic about the idea. A few years ago, after returning to the UMC from the Catholic tradition, I asked my pastor the same thing- if it was ok to continue crossing myself before prayer. He responded that it was more than acceptable, and a good, physical reminder of Christ within us. (I'm glad we are such a tolerant denomination.) That is part of the reason why I make the sign of the cross before prayer- I think of it as a little self -rededication to Christ each time I pray. As I make the sign of the cross over my chest, I think of it as a visual reminder that He is in my heart and living within me. Just the way I think.

I continue to cross myself, and am pleased to see I am not the only Methodist that does so. Do any of you Methodists (or other Protestants) do the same? Have you known any Methodists that do? How do you feel about it? :)
I think the idea of crossing yourself at prayer is beautiful!