Evangelical and Catholic: the Sunday Liturgy of the Lutheran Church (PDF File)

What About Kneeling?		The Sign of the Cross		"catholic" Worship		The Real Presence of Christ in the Sacrament
		Bowing		What is, and Why use, the Historic Liturgy

Why do some of the worshipers here at Saint Luke's make the 'sign of the cross'?

With regard to making the sign of the cross, the best commendation for making use of this liturgical action, are the words and instructions of Luther himself. This is not a practice that Luther ever discussed at length, as he never deemed it problematic, but saw it as a natural, meaningful practice that ought to be continued. In fact, in his "Daily Prayers; How the Head of the Household Should Teach His Family to Pray Morning and Evening" (included in some editions of the Small Catechism), Luther instructs, "In the morning, when you get up, make the sign of the holy cross and say..." His evening instructions are similar, "In the evening when you go to bed, make the sign of the holy cross and say..." Other than these times, Luther rarely mentioned the practice of making the sign of the cross; it was simply a common, universal act of worship. In this regard, it has been retained in the Lutheran liturgy with specific indications for making the sign of the cross (if you choose), at the beginning of the service during the Confession and Absolution, and then again during the Benediction at the end of the service. Some other appropriate times are during the creed, at the words, "...the resurrection of the body, the life everlasting" as a recognition that it is through the cross that we will receive "the resurrection of the body and life everlasting". It is also common before and after receiving the Lord's Supper, as a blessing upon oneself to receive worthily, in the name of Jesus. Since at least 700 A.D., the sign of the cross has been used by Christians as a sign of blessing, and a reminder of our Baptism into Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Those here at Saint Luke's who make use of this sign, have simply reclaimed it as a useful, meaningful devotional practice.

Should all make the sign of the cross? Not all will feel comfortable, at first, making the sign of the cross. Like any good habit, it takes time and willingness to make the effort. It does not earn salvation, nor does it make you a better person in God's sight. It may help you to focus, to remember and celebrate your Baptism, and to publicly attest to the fact that you have been claimed, body and soul, by Jesus Christ. Surely this is a practice that all might like to try for a while, just to see if it is meaningful to you. It is a spiritual tool - nothing more or less.