What “invocation” means
Invocation comes from a word meaning to call upon or appeal to someone. In Christian use, an invocation prayer calls on God by name and asks him to lead what is about to happen. It may thank him for bringing people together, ask for wisdom for a decision, or ask that the words spoken will honour Christ.
That does not mean people can summon God as though he were distant or under their control. Scripture says that God is near to those who call on him sincerely, and Jesus promises his presence among disciples gathered in his name (Psalm 145:18; Matthew 18:20). An invocation helps a group recognise that truth and respond to it with reverence.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
A pattern found in Scripture
The Bible does not give a fixed formula called an invocation prayer. Still, it often shows God’s people beginning significant moments by turning to him. When Solomon dedicated the temple in Jerusalem, he praised God, remembered his promises, and asked him to hear the prayers offered there (1 Kings 8:22-23; 1 Kings 8:27-30).
The first Christians prayed together when they faced threats in Jerusalem. They addressed God as Creator, remembered what he had said, and asked for courage to speak his word. Their prayer was not a performance. It placed their fear and their work before God (Acts 4:24; Acts 4:29-31).
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
What an invocation prayer can include
A simple invocation can name God, thank him, and ask for what the gathering needs. For a church service, that may mean asking God to help people worship wholeheartedly and understand Scripture. Before a committee meeting, it may mean asking for wisdom, honesty, patience, and concern for others rather than personal advantage.
Keep it real. Jesus warned against praying to impress people with many empty words, and he taught his followers to pray to their Father with trust (Matthew 6:5; Matthew 6:7-9). A few honest sentences can be enough.
A simple way to pray
You might begin by saying, “Father, thank you for bringing us together. Please guide our thoughts and words. Help us to love what is true and to do what honours you. In Jesus’ name, amen.” Those are not magic words, and they can be changed to fit the moment.
Some Christians end an invocation by naming the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while others simply pray in Jesus’ name. Both aim to honour the God revealed in Scripture. The heart of the prayer is dependence: asking God to direct the gathering, not asking him to endorse plans that have already been made (Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5).
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.