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In the Name of the Father
At the start of the Sign of the Cross, we touch our foreheads and say “In the name of the Father.” This focuses our minds on God as our Father. It is one of the simplest statements of our faith and yet is truly mind-blowing when we consider its implications. He is our Creator, the Creator of all things, and so much more.
The word “Father” defines a relationship; our relationship with God. If He is our Father, then we can trust the words of Julian of Norwich: “All will be well, all things will be well, all manner of things will be well in the Lord.” When I trust that God truly is my Father, I can trust in his love and provision for me. I can sleep soundly knowing that he is watching over me. I can explore life, safe in the knowledge that he is with me. I can risk failing, trusting that he will help me get back on my feet. I can breathe my last breath in peace, knowing that when my eyes open again they shall see His face.
Touching our foreheads also reminds us that we are free to make a conscious choice in what we believe. Our Christian faith encourages us to explore and to think for ourselves; is robust enough to withstand challenge and exploration; is brave enough to ask the big questions of life. God longs for us to explore these questions with Him and is keen to show us where to find life’s answers.
When I touch my forehead at the start of the ‘Sign of the Cross’, I am acknowledging that I choose this faith freely and consciously; I recognise my place in my relationship with God, the creator of all.
The scriptures today focus on God as our loving father and remind us that Jesus is the way to the Father.
Prayer
O my loving Father,
thank you that you call me your child.
Grant me the humility to submit to you
and to recognise that you know what’s best for me.
I love you, Father.
I long for the day when I can say that face to face with you.
Please help me to share the love you have for me with others,
and to help them to see how much you love them too.
Amen
At the start of the Sign of the Cross, we touch our foreheads and say “In the name of the Father.” This focuses our minds on God as our Father. It is one of the simplest statements of our faith and yet is truly mind-blowing when we consider its implications. He is our Creator, the Creator of all things, and so much more.
The word “Father” defines a relationship; our relationship with God. If He is our Father, then we can trust the words of Julian of Norwich: “All will be well, all things will be well, all manner of things will be well in the Lord.” When I trust that God truly is my Father, I can trust in his love and provision for me. I can sleep soundly knowing that he is watching over me. I can explore life, safe in the knowledge that he is with me. I can risk failing, trusting that he will help me get back on my feet. I can breathe my last breath in peace, knowing that when my eyes open again they shall see His face.
Touching our foreheads also reminds us that we are free to make a conscious choice in what we believe. Our Christian faith encourages us to explore and to think for ourselves; is robust enough to withstand challenge and exploration; is brave enough to ask the big questions of life. God longs for us to explore these questions with Him and is keen to show us where to find life’s answers.
When I touch my forehead at the start of the ‘Sign of the Cross’, I am acknowledging that I choose this faith freely and consciously; I recognise my place in my relationship with God, the creator of all.
The scriptures today focus on God as our loving father and remind us that Jesus is the way to the Father.
Prayer
O my loving Father,
thank you that you call me your child.
Grant me the humility to submit to you
and to recognise that you know what’s best for me.
I love you, Father.
I long for the day when I can say that face to face with you.
Please help me to share the love you have for me with others,
and to help them to see how much you love them too.
Amen
Scripture
About this Plan
Praying the Sign of the Cross traces its origins back to the very early Christians marking a cross on their foreheads. The practice has developed over time and is now a regular practice for over a billion people around the world. Through this Bible study we will explore the practice of the prayer and also the enormity of the mystery of the Trinity and the sacrifice of our ever-loving God.
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