During a recent course meeting, I was asked to lead the opening prayer. As a Catholic religious sister, I began in the way I have always prayed—by making the Sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Before I could continue, someone approached me quietly and said,
“Sister, not all of us here are Catholics. Please pray in the mighty name of Jesus.”
I respectfully responded that this is my faith and how I pray. Wherever I find myself, I represent the Church—just as our Pentecostal brothers and sisters confidently pray according to their own traditions.
Because I did not begin with “in the mighty name of Jesus” and chose instead to make the Sign of the Cross, some people appeared disappointed, as though my prayer lacked power.
I share this experience not out of anger, but as a lesson.
Let me be very clear: praying “in the name of Jesus” is not wrong. It is biblical, beautiful, and powerful. Catholics deeply believe in the power of the name of Jesus, and all our prayers are offered through Him.
However, it is not the only authentic Christian way to pray.
When Catholics begin prayer “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” we are using the Trinitarian formula taught by Jesus Himself:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 28:19
The Sign of the Cross is a profession of faith in the Holy Trinity. Jesus is not excluded—He is the Son. To invoke the Trinity is to fully invoke Christ.
By making the Sign of the Cross, Catholics:
Invite the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit into the prayer
Recall the saving death of Jesus on the Cross
Seal themselves with God’s presence before speaking
Sadly, many Catholics today feel pressured—directly or indirectly—to hide their identity in public spaces. The Sign of the Cross is not disrespectful. It is biblical, Christian, and Catholic.
I have noticed that many Catholics become hesitant when asked to pray publicly. This should not be so. Our faith is not something to be hidden, diluted, or negotiated.
Different Christian traditions pray differently—but difference does not mean error.
Wherever you find yourself—school, workplace, meetings—pray as a Catholic: with love, confidence, and respect.
✝️ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
— Sr. Gina King
