When we cross ourselves, we pray by making four crosses on our body: By the sign of the Holy Cross (cross on the forehead or head): it means the sign of Jesus' love, of his dedication to the point of dying for us. This cross is to free us from negative thoughts.
From our enemies (cross in the mouth): it means that God frees us from pride and selfishness. This cross is so that we avoid words that hurt others or divide us.
Deliver us, Lord our God (on the chest): it means that, from the heart, we make this request to God. This cross is so that our actions and work are carried out under the word of God, always rejecting evil.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. (from the forehead, then the chest, then the left shoulder, then the right). It symbolizes that we are part of God and the Church. This is a total surrender to the presence of God.
Fr. Martin
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