We Lutheran make the sign of the cross. It's not mandatory. A person doesn't have to do so. But making the sign of the cross is a very good reminder of our baptism - our adoption into the family of God.
While researching a topic the other day, I came across something in the book, Lutheran Worship: History and Practice that I thought I'd share. The book references another book, Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book, written in 1912, which gives instructions to the pastor on making the sign of the cross. Read on...
The presiding minster will, therefore, position himself accordingly. The signing with the cross connected therewith is a personal signature, and it is appropriate that all join in this act as a remembrance of Holy Baptism and the call to repentance. Lutherans have commonly made this sign differently from Roman Catholics, specifically as to the direction of the last movement. With the palm of the right hand held flat with thumb and fingers together, first the forehead is touched ("My Lord Jesus Christ came down from heaven"), then the breast ("and was incarnate for me"), the right shoulder ("and was crucified for me"), and finally the left shoulder ("and entered into my heart"). Luther recommends the use of this sign in both the Small and the Large Catechism.
For some, making the sign of the cross seems a little awkward. You might even feel a little self-conscious about making the sign the first few times you do so. After a time, it is quite easy and becomes more and more meaningful. Anything we might do that reminds us of our baptism and the new life in Christ we have received through the washing of water with the Word, is a very good thing indeed.
