[annalex]

Of course any authentic Christian would pray to a crucifix: that is an image of our Lord and Savior suffering for His Holy Church.

O senseless Galatians, who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been set forth, crucified among you? (Galatians 3:1)

Read the Holy Gospel every once in a while and you, too, will come to Christ and worship Him.

[piusv]

I think the “issue” I have with saying praying “to” a crucifix is that it helps to give life to the “Catholics worship graven images!” lie. Perhaps you might like to use the phrase praying “before” the Crucifix.