Savio Rodrigues SJ

This prayer is done by just holding in your palm a Holding Cross. This cross is a small cross made of olive wood. Its beam is deliberately made uneven so as to fit comfortably between your fingers.

The cross is not ornamental or decorated to remind you of the harsh wood of the cross.

It is enough to simply hold the cross silently. This itself is prayer. Maybe you have no words anyway, and it is through your sense of touch that you are expressing your love for Christ, and your need for Him.

Holding to the cross can also be a way of praying for others, especially those who are suffering.

It is useful to hold the cross when making an act of penance.

When you are ill, simply holding the cross may be the best way to pray. It does not matter that you do not have the energy for other kinds of prayer.

You could give a wooden cross to a blind person, or someone who is ill or dying, as a way of sharing the love of Christ with them.

Sometimes you may find that set words are useful. These can be enriched and deepened by holding the cross and reciting them.

For example:

1 As I hang on this cross,
Lord, hang on to me.

2 As I hold on to this cross, Lord,
Fill me with your strength and peace.

3 As I hold this cross, Lord,
I remember the cost of your
Great love for us.

4 As I hold this cross, Lord,
I rejoice in the knowledge
That evil and sin do not have the last word,
And that your love is indestructible.

The Prayer Method on this page has been provided with permission from the book Pray: How? by Savio Rodrigues SJ