Musings on the Liturgy 1
Invocation
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English invocacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French invocation, from Latin invocation-, invocatio, from invocare
Date: 14th century
- The act or process of petitioning for help or support; specifically often capitalized: a prayer of entreaty (as at the beginning of a service of worship)
- A calling upon for authority or justification
The word “invocation” as defined by Merriam-Webster above is more than simple words that are said at the beginning of our service. For Christians, we use this at the beginning of our services to invoke or call God into our lives and this place. This is certainly not saying that God isn’t with us already but this is a public appeal to God.
The basic invocation text that we hear is “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen”. This text also invites us as worshipers to make an ancient sign over our bodies. Similar to baptism where we are marked with the sign of the cross on the forehead and on the heart to mark us as being redeemed by Christ, the invocation invites us to make the sign of the cross over our body. For many this sign starts on the forehead and extends down to the chest and from one shoulder to the other. For others, the sign is simply on the forehead.
You might say that making the sign of the cross is a Catholic thing and you are correct, it is a catholic (universal church) thing. This is an ancient symbol that has been used by the throughout time and is not specific to one denomination. So, next time you hear the Invocation, remember your baptism and if you are comfortable, make the sign of the cross to remind you of your baptism and that you are a redeemed person.
