Your only comfort can be found in the Cross. However, many people have difficulty accepting their Cross and the pain that comes with life, in general. But, more importantly, the pain that comes with learning how to grow in love of God by choosing to do what Christ Himself called us to do when He said, “Follow Me.” This often comes from the pain of not having the original comfort of a mother’s love. Therefore, I have included below a prayer, that is of my own writing, and which I included two short traditional prayers that are recommended to develop a relationship with the Blessed Mother and Jesus. This prayer could be said every morning, prior to rising, to help you “Carry your Cross” daily and remind yourself throughout the day that your only comfort is in the Cross.
Throughout the day, when you feel discomfort, fear, anxiety, or some form of temptation, remember that your “Comfort Cross” is not your source of comfort. Rather, it is a symbolic reminder that Christ died for you and all of us, so that we may be saved from our sins. So, whatever is happening in that moment; it is an opportunity for you to grow closer to Him by growing spiritually. Cling to the Cross. Ask Him for strength and courage to face whatever suffering you are experiencing in that moment, whether it’s a memory from something traumatic in your past, a current hurt or hardship, or even a temptation to sin that you don’t believe you are worthy of Love or the strength to resist. Ask Christ for help in believing that God loves you, that you are worthy of His love, and that your only comfort is in the Cross, so that you may be able to resist the temptation to fall into anger, fear, and false beliefs.
For a Comfort Cross to be effective, in assisting in the reduction of anxiety, it also should be the ‘right size’ for you, one that fits in the palm of your hand, and that you hold naturally like you would any other object, rather than trying to ‘force’ two of your fingers to fit over the top and also wrap three of your other fingers around the bottom. It should also be made of a hard enough wood that will not easily splinter, such as wood from the Holy Land and be blessed by a priest who uses Holy Water with Exorcised Salt. But, most importantly, it should fit comfortably in your hand, so that you may ‘squeeze’ it as part of your prayers. For some people who experience arthritis in their hands and/or fingers, a smaller comfort cross may work better even though they have larger hands.
While the prayer below is intended to start your day, the Comfort Cross, is intended to be a reminder to pray throughout the day, so that you may learn to maintain a constant awareness of His Presence and respond to His call for you to take up your cross and Follow Him.
English (United States). Additional translations may follow, with priority for Latin and Español (Spanish). You may print a copy of this page for your private, personal use only. You may also share this link with others. Printed copies will soon be made available.
Comfort in the Cross Prayer – English (United States)
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
(Kiss your Brown Scapular and/or Miraculous Medal, Mary is Your Mother)
My Lord and My God,
May by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
My Mother,
And the help of your grace,
May I remember that my only comfort is in the Cross,
Which I will carry with me today,
And all the days of my life,
Out of love for You, who is Love.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have Mercy on me.
(Kiss your Comfort Cross. Place it in your pocket to carry with you all day.)
Amen.
Note: All Catholic prayers begin and end with the Sign of the Cross. In this case, do the same, unless you intend to begin or end this prayer with the recommended Waking Prayers or the Prayer to the Venerable Cross as adapted by Raymond Lloyd Richmond, Ph.D. in place of or as additional prayers.
Original publication date 07.31.2023. Post last updated on 02.05.2024.
Original prayer, adaptations, notes, and typography Copyright © 2023-2024 Gianna Elms, LCSW, LLC. All rights reserved.
