While crosses are often used as decoration, your hand cross is meant to be an active aid to prayer or meditation. Here are some suggested ways to use your cross.

Keep your hand cross with you as a reminder: to pray; that you are God’s beloved child; that Jesus died for you to forgive your sins.

Use your hand cross as you pray. Feel its texture observing any rough places or defects. Allow that to remind you that no one is perfect, “We have all fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Run your fingers down the sides, beginning at the top and going down and around and up again. As you do, recall Jesus’ journey from being hailed as king when he entered Jerusalem to his betrayal and finally his death on the cross. The foot of the cross is the low point of his journey and can symbolize his death. Remember that our place is at the foot of the cross. As you trace your fingers back up, recall how he was finally raised from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God where he rules in glory and majesty.

Perhaps for you, just holding your cross will be a comfort and a reminder that God is always near.