Here is what Our Lord revealed to St. Gertrude the Great about praying with a crucifix (in fact, all St. Gertrude did was constantly look at her crucifix and use it as an impetus to her hearts loving centering on the Sacred Heart of Jesus):
“It is very agreeable to Me to see thee thus honoring the Crucifix. It is always an effect of Divine grace when men's eyes meet the Image on the Cross, and never once do they rest upon It, but their soul is benefited. The oftener they do this here on earth with reverence and love, the greater will be their reward in heaven.”