“The sign of the cross makes kings of all those reborn in Christ and the anointing of the Spirit consecrates them as priests” (Pope Leo the Great).
This month’s The Catholic Answer had a fascinating article on the Sign of the Cross by Bert Ghezzi who wrote Sign of the Cross: Recovering the Power of the Ancient Prayer. I haven’t read the book so i can’t say if it’s worth your money or not but do try to find a copy of The Catholic Answer to read the article. In the article he outlines six reasons to make the Sign of the Cross and suggests a practice of making the Sign of the Cross six times during morning prayer.
As a mini-creed to profess your faith in God. To remember that you died with Christ in baptism. To declare that you belong to Christ and will obey Him. As a remembrance to embrace the suffering that comes your way and to pick up your cross and follow Jesus. As a defense against the devil and a positive statement for the Kingdom of God. To crucify your flesh and imitate Christ.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2157 : The Christian begins his day, his prayers, his activities with the Sign of the Cross: “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” The baptized person dedicates the day to the glory of God and call on the Savior’s grace, which lets him act in the Spirit as a child of the Father. The Sign of the Cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties.
