Invocation Prayer
What is an invocation prayer?
An invocation is a prayer for opening a church service or meeting with. This type of prayer usually includes two elements:-
1. worship. There is usually an awareness of the majesty and greatness of the living God in this type of prayer, and
2. petition. There will be request in the prayer for God's presence and blessing on the meeting.
This page features a number of inspiring invocation prayers for various occasions, with a invocation for a worship service, an example invocation prayer, and a prayer suitable for reading at a banquet or wedding reception meal. There are also a number of other contemporary and traditional prayers appropriate for opening events such as graduation ceremonies or including in programs.
An invocation is a prayer for opening a church service or meeting with. This type of prayer usually includes two elements:-
1. worship. There is usually an awareness of the majesty and greatness of the living God in this type of prayer, and
2. petition. There will be request in the prayer for God's presence and blessing on the meeting.
This page features a number of inspiring invocation prayers for various occasions, with a invocation for a worship service, an example invocation prayer, and a prayer suitable for reading at a banquet or wedding reception meal. There are also a number of other contemporary and traditional prayers appropriate for opening events such as graduation ceremonies or including in programs.
Invocation Prayer for Worship Service
Almighty God,
We are in awe of your magnificent power displayed through the entire universe, for through you all things were made and all things have their being. We come before you with grateful thanks and with hearts that long to adore you and worship only you.
Lord, may we know the presence of the Holy Spirit here with us today. May we be open to your leading, sensitive to you speaking and alert to your calling. Father, we invite the same power that was at work when Jesus was raised from the grave to be present with us here now. Lord, we declare that you are welcome here amongst us.
Amen.
(an invocation prayer from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
resources on this page
Invocation prayer for worship
Invocation prayer example
Prayer for a banquet
Opening prayer for a meeting
Opening prayer for a worship
Short opening prayer
Invocation prayer example
Prayer for a banquet
Opening prayer for a meeting
Opening prayer for a worship
Short opening prayer
Opening Prayer
A beautiful prayer for beginning a church meeting or worship service with, featuring inspiring images and uplifting music:-
In the silence of the heart God speaks. If you face God in prayer and silence, God will speak to you.
Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
Invocation Prayer Example
Almighty God,
As we stand in awe of your goodness and mercy today, we invite you to be present amongst us by the power of your Holy Spirit. Father, we declare that we love you. Thank you that you have made the way of love known through your son Jesus Christ. We pray that you would reveal this great love to us all today as we gather to worship. Lead us by your Spirit to praise you. May our hearts overflow with thanksgiving and our mouths proclaim your everlasting greatness.
In the wonderful name of Jesus we pray,
Amen.
(a sample invocation prayer from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
Opening Prayer
an inspiring prayer suitable for opening a meeting or event.
Opening Prayer for Worship or a Church Service
Dear Lord and Father,
Thank you that you promise us that where two or three are gathered you are there in the midst.
Lord we welcome You amongst us today and celebrate the gift of life that you have lavished upon each of us.
We ask that You would open our ears so that we may hear your voice.
Open our minds so that we may receive Your eternal wisdom.
Open our spirits so that we may know Your leading and guidance.
And open our hearts so that we may receive Your wonderful love.
We ask all this in the glorious name of Jesus.
Amen.
(a opening prayer for a worship meeting from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
Invocation Prayer for a Banquet
Dear God,
We thank you for this wonderful celebration that we share in now. As we join together to eat, come bless our conversations with the flavour of your grace, supplement the food we share with your heavenly goodness and unite us as one in your everlasting love. Father, we give thanks to you for these gifts of food and provision. Come bless them to our bodies now we pray.
Amen.
(a prayer before food from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
Opening Prayer for a Meeting
Dear Father,
We thank you for everyone gathered here now.
Thank you that you know each of us by name and have caused us to walk with You.
We say that we are dependant on You and our trust is in You completely.
As we surrender ourselves in adoration we ask that You would come by Your Holy Spirit and inspire our hearts today.
Come fill our lives with Your love,
Fill our conversations with Your grace and truth,
Fill this meeting with Your presence.
We ask this for Your glory and praise.
Amen.
Dear Father,
We thank you for everyone gathered here now.
Thank you that you know each of us by name and have caused us to walk with You.
We say that we are dependant on You and our trust is in You completely.
As we surrender ourselves in adoration we ask that You would come by Your Holy Spirit and inspire our hearts today.
Come fill our lives with Your love,
Fill our conversations with Your grace and truth,
Fill this meeting with Your presence.
We ask this for Your glory and praise.
Amen.
(a modern opening prayer for a meeting from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
Short Opening Prayer
Officiant and People
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Except in Lent, Alleluia may be added.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Except in Lent, Alleluia may be added.
(Source: 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA)
The Lord's Prayer
A popular prayer for using to open a gathering with, which includes the elements of worship (Our Father,..Hallowed be thy Name) and petition (Give us this day our daily bread etc.):Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
(from the the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, 1662)