The Sign of the Cross: Recovering the Power of the Ancient Prayer

by Bert Ghezzi

Christians worldwide have been blessing themselves with the sign of the cross for centuries. But few who use this simple, familiar gesture know its impact as a powerful prayer.  Author Bert Ghezzi shows how this potent prayer engages the Holy Spirit and affirms Christian identity.  With insights derived from Scripture, church teachings, and personal experience, Ghezzi encourages people to utilize this powerful sign in their daily life. Drawing on the fascinating history of the sign of the cross, Ghezzi reveals six dynamic truths of the spiritual life that God gives.  The Sign of the Cross brings forth an opening to God, renewal of baptism, mark of discipleship, acceptance of suffering, defense agains the devil, and victory over self-indulgence.  This inspirational book brings to life the blessings of this ancient prayer and guides Christians to a renewed experience of God.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Religion, Prayer, Spirituality, Christianity

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good analysis of the ubiquitous Christian sign both from a historical and devotional perspective.

[Carollozano · Rating 5 out of 5]

quote from the book
“Never leave your house without making the sign of the cross. It will be to you a staff, a weapon, an impregnable fortress. Neither man nor demon will dare to attack you, seeing you covered with such powerful armor. Let this sign teach you that you are a soldier, ready to combat against the demons, and ready to fight for the crown of justice. Are you ignorant of what the cross has done? It has vanquished death, destroyed sin, emptied hell, dethroned Satan and restored the universe. Would you then doubt its power?” St. John Chrysostom

[Dcn. Benj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often I needn’t learn anything new, so much as I need approach what’s old with renewed fervor and intention. I’m grateful for this little book’s helping me do just that.

[Daniel Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good introduction to the use of the sign of the cross in Christian history, though I was hoping for a bit more history and less mysticism. I would also take issue with the author’s belief that the symbols have power inherently; as I would with those who say there is power in prayer. Often times the impression is given by Christians that these holy signs and symbols can invoke holy magic Harry Potter style with the sign of the cross or praying a special prayer. It seems to me that symbols and signs are more reminders and the power itself is from the Lord.
In the chapter titled a defense against the devil I enjoyed the author’s take on Christ’s victory over the cross, and how that relates to the Christian church in history. He says, “Christ won the war with Satan on the cross, but Satan has not yet left the field. Christ wanted to give us a piece of the action, so he recruited us to perform the mop-up operation. We, the members of the Church, the Body of Christ, have the privilege of enforcing the Lord’s triumph over the devil. The tables are turned, and the intended victims of Satan’s onslaught have become his conquerors.” Amen!

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a simple introduction to the many different aspects of the sign of the cross. Ghezzi really shows how making this sign is a form of physical prayer that proclaims that one is a follower of Christ, and that the cross is the quintessential symbol of what our lives are about. The seven chapters cover: Its history, the cross as an opening to God, a renewal of baptism, a mark of discipleship, an acceptance of suffering, a defense against the devil, and a victory over self-indulgence. This book has challenged me to use this prayer as a reminder of my call as a Christian.

[James Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is almost like a mini catechism. It teaches quite a lot in very few pages, especially in regards to different areas of our lives that we need to pay attention to as we progress in the spiritual life (remembering the true Creed, calling upon the graces of baptism, fighting temptation, growing in virtue, accepting suffering and being committed to discipleship). However, I think this book too strongly emphasizes the sign of the cross, without suggesting anything deeper that it can lead to. Perhaps that is the story of the author, but if we only make the cross fervently and more often, and don't do anything else, I'm just not sure how much we will actually grow in our love and knowledge of God. Perhaps I need to better put this into practice, but I do know deciding to do something and actually doing it are 2 very different things. But, this book has great insights and quotes from throughout the ages for those wishing to know more about the Sign of the Cross.

[FERNANDO CALOCA AYALA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signing ourselves is a way of considering ourselves dead to
sin and alive to God.

We find Christ’s teaching in the Bible, in
the doctrine of the Church, and in books of theology. Th
place to start is the Gospels, especially with Jesus’ longer
discourses: the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7) and his
farewell address (John 13:31–17:26). Then you will want to
explore his instruction in the other New Testament books
and the rest of the Bible.

I trace the vertical trunk of
the cross from my head to my breast to pledge my love for
God, and the horizontal bar across my shoulders to pledge
my love for others.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring book. It made me look at the Sign of the Cross, which I have prayed several times a day for my entire life, with more reverence and respect. I had thought of it more as bookending prayers than as being a prayer in itself.

The book is well written and well organized. The chapters are divided in such a way as to make it easy to stop at the end of the chapter and meditate on the content. It also includes a bibliography facilitating additional study. I’ll be returning to this book frequently and may replace my electronic copy with a physical copy.

[Marty Langlois · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a cradle Catholic I have done this gesture over and over again, not always considering the meaning behind the gesture. At times, I can honestly say I took the gesture and prayer for granted and even can say I’ve gone through the motions with it. Bert does a great job bringing in scripture, tradition, history and personal experience to emphasize the value of the Sign of the Cross,and how this simple prayer has so much depth.

[ROTJI RAPHAEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is truly close and does not ask for too much

Here this book helps us see the closeness of God and how we can call ourselves to what is true with the ‘simple’ sign of the Cross. I would recommend this book to anybody seeking to open to themselves in abandonment to the God that created us and not the ´God’ we created.

[Robby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise reminder that something need not become rote due to repetition, nor be considered small because of ease or brevity. Fr. Ghezzi winsomely reminds us that making the effort to sanctify our actions through something as simple as making the sign of the cross can help us abide in St. Paul’s exhortation to do all we do for Christ.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book of spiritual affirmation. The Sign of the Cross truly opens us up to God’s blessings. This book began powerfully and ended reminding us of God’s graces through this powerful proclamation of faith. I plan to reread this book again and mark the pages that spoke to me most. The 2023 cover is gorgeous and adds such beauty as well.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful explanation with Biblical references as well as historical references from believers of what it means to sign yourself, and how it aids in your quest to know God better. It was written by a Catholic for Catholics, yet I wish Protestants would read this to better understand the action of signing the cross on yourself.

[Kathryn Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spot on!

There is magic or superstition in making the sign of the cross, but we acknowledge the Lord, asking for his help in serving him and dying to self. Very practical helpful book. Don’t think I will look at the sign of the cross in the same way as I did prior to reading this book. Worth the read.

[Miranda Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, quick little read that I did for Lent this year. I always knew the Sign of the Cross was itself considered a prayer, but learning about how the early church used it and the graces it can connect us with was eye-opening, and the examples were practical ones anyone can implement into their life. Would recommend!

[Alice Malcolm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great teaching that I shall make every effort to follow.

Very informative with rich content. It helps me to understand more deeply the sign of the cross in our liturgy and in my daily life.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bert Ghezzi provides us with an affirmation of our Catholic faith through his inspiring book the "Sign of the Cross". He uses scripture and examples from the lives of Saints to explain the basis of our faith, the simple, reverent prayer of the Sign of the Cross.

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have expected Word on Fire to publish something a little more intellectual and respectful of the West’s tradition in spirituality. It’s quite hokey at times and surface level at others, a part of the beige Catholicism Bishop Barron preaches against so often.

[Nancy P. Germain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening

Simple, straightforward, and easy to understand. The authors writings are well researched and simplified. I very much appreciated his writing style. Well worth the read. I would read again…

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and easy read that is very informative. I enjoyed and learned more from it than other books I have read on the same subject.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were good points made but not much I hadn't heard before. Good reminders about why we should make the sign of the cross. Just ok

[Cynthia Wheelehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, concise introduction but there is so much information - I never realized the power and complexity of such a seemingly easy gesture..... Well worth the brief time it takes to read this....

[Martha Bergin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book . It has me looking at this practice with new through new eyes. This book enriched my faith journey …

[David Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book, reminding everybody about the power in the sign of the Cross.

[Claire Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful and informative book about the history, meaning and use behind the sign of the cross. I appreciated the book’s brevity and clear takeaways and applications

[Lisa Bowser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully and simply explains the background and power of the sign of the cross. So glad I read it.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

practical theology for every day

Very clear and concise. Easy to apply and integrate in life. I will carry with me this knowledge and make it a part of my spiritual practice

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read but thought provoking

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly fascinating history of the Sign of the Cross and ways to renew its use.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing yourself is an early church tradition

I earned why Christians cross themselves. I always thought it originated with Catholics but it's origin is an early church tradition! I cross myself all the time now!