invocation prayers for various occasions
Invocation Prayers for Various Occasions
Prayer is the most uncomplicated way to stand before God and pour your heart and mind into words to obtain His endless blessings. This Buzzle article shares examples of invocation prayers to be said on various occasions.
"JESUS"
The shortest and simplest invocation as well as creed.
According to the Catechism: "The name 'Jesus' contains all: God and man and the whole economy of creation and salvation" (CCC 2666).
"Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:7-11).
Prayer makes a difference; prayer changes things. The above verse from the Bible explains all if we as earthly beings always seek the best for our kids, then how much more does the Heavenly Father ache to bless his children. All we have to do is ask him through prayer. A simple invocation can change the whole atmosphere, cause blessings to pour, cause healing, and bring hope to hearts. Seeking God's presence in our daily life fills it with his grace. Given below are examples of invocation prayers that can be done on various significant occasions as well as day-to-day life.
Significance of Invocation Prayer
The word invocation is derived from the Latin word invocare which means to call upon, to invoke, or to give. It signifies supplication or prayer calling for the aid or presence of a divine being. Simply put - invocation is a prayer said at the opening of a ceremony or service to invoke God's blessings. Invocations draw us together towards the divine authority of God and set the tone for any given occasion by assuring his guidance, protection, and presence. It is an assertion of his multitude of blessings and the longing of fulfillment of common goals. It could also mean a moment of silence shared by all to put forward his or her own moral or spiritual petitions.
How to Write a Prayer of Invocation
✝While preparing an invocation, keep the audience and the occasion in mind. For a formal church gathering or retreat or prayer service, add references from the Bible or faith books. For an informal gathering like business events and family events, keep the prayer simple, petitions precise, and ambitions common to all.
✝Start by acknowledging God's presence with words like Almighty God, Heavenly Father, Creator, Lord, etc for gatherings of various faith and denominations. e.g. For Rotary club gatherings or business events, quote a spiritual passage or start with Lord of the Universe which pertains to all.
✝Be specific to invoke blessings about the event that is going to happen. For e.g. during a graduation ceremony, express gratitude for the good results and invoke God's blessings for the future. During a business event, pray for wisdom and knowledge to conduct the business meeting.
✝Most important keep it short and accurate, conclude by saying Amen, Peace, or Thank you.
Examples of Invocation Prayer
1. For Church and Prayer Service
1. O Father,
majestic is your name!
From the rising of the sun
to its setting
your name is to be praised
Merciful God,
Gracious Lord.
Hear us in the name of Your Son,
For He has promised
that where two or three of us
are gathered in Your name
He would be with us
and our prayer would be heard.
Hear us in the name of Your Son.
For He is the revelation of your wisdom,
the outpouring of your glory,
the incarnation of your mercy toward us
and the whole human race.
To you be the glory,
All praise and honor,
Father,
Son and Holy Spirit,
One God, now and evermore. Amen.
2. Almighty God, Who has given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee, and does promise that when two or three are gathered together in Thy name, you will grant their requests.
Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of your servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting, Amen.
3. O God, we trust in your power to create, to sustain, to enable. But we could not trust if we did not know that you are always near.
Be with us, Lord, as we are gathered here to worship you. Help us not to check our minds or our hearts at the door, but enable us to bring all that we are to you, so that we might experience your touch upon all aspects of our life. We pray this because of, and in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
4. O God, we trust in your power, even as it is often found in weakness; in your wisdom, even as it is expressed in seeming foolishness; in your wholeness, even as it comes to us amid brokenness.
We do not ask this day for dazzling displays of strength, electric exercises of intellectual prowess, or marvelous manifestations of miracles. We come simply to worship you.
Touch us this day, O Lord, sinners that we are, that we might become your saints, your body, your children, your church. For this Temple of your Spirit is built not upon our own abilities, knowledge, or restorative skill, but upon you, in Jesus Christ. Amen.
5. Light of Christ, awaken us this hour to the glory of your presence in our midst. Shine among us in such a way that the darkness without and within may be pushed back, such that we might truly see what is really real.
Help us to recognize our sin for what it is. Enable us to behold the world as you created it to be, as you created us to be. Empower us to move from darkness to light, from sin to new life.
May your light within us shine through into worship this day, as all days. This we pray in the name of the Word made flesh, the light which is the light of all people. Jesus Christ. Amen.
2. For Thanksgiving Service
1. Thank you, Father, for having created us and given us to each other in the human family.
Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows, for your comfort in our sadness, your companionship in our loneliness. Thank you for yesterday, today, tomorrow and for the whole of our lives.
Thank you for friends, for health and for grace. May we live this and every day conscious of all that has been given to us. Amen.
2. This Thanksgiving let those of us who have much and those who have little gather at the welcoming table of the Lord.
At this blessed feast, may rich and poor alike remember that we are called to serve on another and to walk together in God's gracious world. With thankful hearts we praise our God who like a loving parent denies us no good thing. Amen.
3. For Banquets
1. Thank you, Father, for the food on this table. We are thankful for this time together. Our thoughts go out to family and friends who reside far. We hope that they are safe and well. Amen.
2. Lord, we thank you for the food we are about to eat, it is the daily bread You give us to sustain our bodies.
We thank You for the gift of Your word - the bread which has come down from heaven to refresh our spirits. May we share the table of Your heavenly banquet where we shall never hunger and always be satisfied in knowing and loving You. Amen.
4. For Sports Events/Banquets
1. Dear Lord, Thank you for this opportunity to gather again as the (Insert your school/league name) Community does with so much joy in Your Name.
We are assembled here today/tonight, to celebrate the participation and successes of the student athletes and coaches of (Insert School/League name). We have striven to learn from the coaches, compete as teams, and have learned to appreciate one another whether in victory or defeat.
Lord...You have looked down upon us with favor and spread the blessing of Your Love over these athletes through the joy of participation in athletics.
Remember and watch over all of (Insert School/League name)...especially those that are sick or in need of healing. Let us triumph through each day helping those we can, and appreciating the support and love we get from those around us.
May we all ―"Live-Strong" in our faith. All of this, we pray in Your Name, Amen.
2. For the bodies, minds and spirits of each member of our team, help us to make decisions both on and off the field/court that promote health and give us strength. We pray to the Lord. Amen.
3. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings You have given us this evening of food and fellowship, help us to not take these gifts for granted.
Guide us to live as You have taught us to live. Teach us to forgive as You have shown us forgiveness, Lead us to love as You have shown us love. We entrust the past to Your mercy, the present to Your love, and the future to Your providence.
Guide us throughout this night and each day that follows to go forth glorifying you by our actions and deeds, in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
5. For Funeral/Memorial Service
1. God our refuge and strength, close at hand in our distress; meet us in our sorrow and lift our eyes to the peace and light of your constant care.
Help us so to hear your word of grace that our fear will be dispelled by your love, our loneliness eased by your presence and our hope renewed by your promises in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2. Let us pray. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we come into this sanctuary of sorrow, realizing our utter dependence upon You.
We know that You love us, and are able to turn even the shadow of death into the light of morning. Help us now to wait before You with reverent and submissive hearts.
You are our Refuge and Strength, O God - a very present Help in time of trouble. Grant unto us Your abundant mercy. May those who mourn today find comfort and healing in Your sustaining grace.
We humbly bring these petitions in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
3. Father God Almighty; you who gave us birth; you are evermore ready to hear than we are to pray.
You know our needs before we ask, and our ignorance in asking. Grant to us now your grace, that as we shrink before the mystery of death, we may see the light of eternity.
Speak to us once more your solemn message of life and of death. Help us to live as those who are prepared to die. And when our days here are accomplished, enable us to die as those who go forth to live, so that whether living or dying, our life would be found in you, and that nothing in life or in death would be able to separate us from your great love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
6. For Wedding Ceremony/Anniversary
1. Gracious God, spirit of life and love, we ask all blessings upon Groom(name) and Bride(name) in their life together.
May they be blessed with patience, to see them through times of tensions or conflict.
May they be blessed with kindness, to enable them to nurture and care for one another in times of pain or sorrow.
May they be blessed with a spirit of play and joyfulness, that they may participate fully in the beauties and pleasures of creation.
May they be blessed, finally, with a knowledge of the ever-flowing presence of love in the world, that they may be channels of this love to one another and to all whom they meet in their life's journey.
Amen.
2. Let us pray. God, we ask for your blessings upon this man and woman, as we celebrate this momentous occasion in their lives.
Grant them happiness and contentment as they establish their new home, create a new family and explore the depths of their love for one another and for you.
Bless their families and friends and the relationships, which have supported, strengthened and sustained them throughout their lives.
Bless their home as a place of love and of peace.
And if times grow hard and tempers grow short, help them to look into their hearts and remember the love that brought them here today.
Amen.
3. Father of mankind, whose nature is love, look with favor upon this woman and this man who desire to make their vows before you.
We are grateful for the providence that has led to this union.
Grant this to be more than an outward union, but also the blending of hearts and spirits and purposes.
Bless each with the inward qualities of integrity, trust, cooperation and forgiveness, that they may live together in love and peace.
Amen.
4. Dear Father,
Thank You so much for this day.
For today we celebrate (number) years of marriage
together.
Thank You that You are journeying with us.
If a three-stranded cord can not be easily broken.
You are our third thread.
Your life entwines around us.
Making us strong and keeping us close.
Lord, forgive us for the times we have failed and
hurt each other.
When we have neglected our friendship together.
When we have not put our partners interests and
well-being before our own.
We are truly sorry for these times and resolve to live life differently.
Today we commit ourselves afresh to each other.
To always support, always trust, and always serve
our partner.
Lord, come and reignite our love!
Inspire our thoughts and fashion our plans!
We are so excited to be married and so thrilled
about our future together.
Thank you Lord. We love You.
Amen.
7. For Birthdays
1. For the Birthday of a family member(name)
Heavenly Father, We praise You for all Your gifts to us.
In a special way, We thank You for (name). Bless him (her) always in Your love.
Bless us too, Holy Father, And this food with which we celebrate. Help us all to praise You and give
You glory. Through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.
2. Father in heaven
We come to you today thanking you for (insert name). We are glad that you have brought us together and allowed us to know (insert name).
On this day we ask for your special blessing and a day filled with hope, joy and optimism. We pray that this coming year might be one that will bring personal success and fulfillment and accomplishment for (insert name).
Father we know that you delight in blessing your children and so we ask for this. May we all be grateful for your goodness. This we ask in the name of our loving Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
8. For Graduation Ceremony
1. Father,
Help us to not look forward in fear to the changes in life;
Rather, may we look to the future with full hope,
because as changes arise, you will lead us safely through all things,
because we are your very own, and when we cannot stand it,
You will carry us in Your arms. With you, we shall not fear what may happen tomorrow;
because you are the understanding
Father who cares for us today, and who will care for us tomorrow and every day.
We have faith, O Lord, That you will either shield us from suffering, or give us unfailing strength to bear it. Put us at peace, and give us the grace to put aside all anxious thoughts and images.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ,Your Son, and Our Lord. Amen.
2. Lord God,
We ask for your almighty hand to be upon all those who graduate today.
Bless their lives from this day on with goodness and love.
Help them to stay true to their dreams, to use their gifts wisely, and to walk into the future with faith, hope, and great love. Amen.
9. For Military Ceremonies
1. Father in heaven,
This is no time to glory in war, but rather to remember and give thanks for those who have cherished freedom and liberty more than life.
As we recall with thanksgiving the soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen who have lost their lives in defense of America, let us rededicate our lives to the ideals for which they paid the supreme price.
Their legacy is our birthright and our responsibility.
Help us so to perform the mission placed in our hands that generations yet unborn will continue to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.
Grant us skill, dedication, and courage for the daily tasks of maintaining the bright torch of liberty. By your grace and by your power, let us mount up as eagles - run and not grow weary - walk and not faint - that our land may ever exist in peace and security. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
2. O Gracious God,
On this Veteran's Day, we give thanks to those who've shown the way of freedom and justice by giving their all in heeding your eternally triumphant call. Now, as we honor our courageous and brave may we follow your way that for us you pave.
Though our trials be different, our adventures quite varied, we honor our veterans, who before us you've carried. Though many may see no more of tomorrow they've lived not in vain, nor in tragic sorrow but rather in peace.
They've won the real prize to new dawns, with you, their souls do arise. They've defended this land with dignity and pride on the wings of eagles and angels. They ride to be near to you, creator and friend, as examples of life without end. Amen.
3. O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
You are with us through all our days.
Even in times of change, you are still God and we trust in you.
We pray today for this dedicated and faithful Soldier as he retires.
We are grateful for the decades of sacrificial service which he offered on our behalf.
He and his family has given themselves for us; now we pray that the years to come might continue to bring them satisfaction and well-being.
Go with them and bless them in every new endeavor.
Lord, bless us all with strength, defend us from harm, and preserve all that we hold dear, that we may continue to serve our community, our nation and our world. In your holy name, Amen.
10. For Business Events/Club Meetings
1. Lord, we are meeting today to conduct matters of business. Guide our hearts and our minds in the spirit of fairness, right thought and speech. Impart your supreme wisdom upon our activities so that our affairs may reach a successful conclusion. Thank you for being our source of guidance today. Amen.
2. Dear God, we seek your help with our affairs today.
Bless this meeting with your divine intelligence, and help us to make the best use of our own.
We are of diverse opinion here. Yet we wish to mend our differences and reach agreement satisfactory to all.
Please share a little of your wisdom with us to help us do right by all concerned. Thank you for your Heavenly blessing. Amen.
3. Almighty God, we beseech Thy guidance and wisdom for this world-wide organization of Rotary International.
Devoted to Service Above Self, may each one of us be inspired to respond to the opportunities for better serving our fellow man.
And may these provisions of Thy bounty, so graciously given, be thankfully received. Amen.
11. For Family Meals/Festivities
1. Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for this day and for all of your spectacular creations.
We thank you for the joy of special times with friends and family.
We thank you for our food which is our manna for this day.
We pray that you will bless our food and enrich it to abundantly bless our bodies.
We thank you for the promise of tomorrow and the knowledge that you will always be by our side.
In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
2. Dear Heavenly Father,
Love brought Jesus to the earth, and love brings us to this Christmas table.
Today as we share this holiday feast, may we also share with one another a joyful heart and a warm smile.
May our Christmas dinner be filled with kindness. And may the memories of today warm our hearts for years to come. Amen.
Jesus himself says in the Bible: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." - Matthew 18:20
Invoking the Lord in your daily needs makes you and those around you receive the abundant source of his everlasting blessings which in turn makes you want to praise him all the more for the miracles occurring in your life.
"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:11-12