Invocations

The Latin root of invocation is to “call upon.” In the church we begin our services with an in-vocational prayer. We call upon God to be with us. Imagine for a moment our response when during that prayer Jesus appears physically, standing behind the Altar. Our prayer of invocation is now evoking fear and trembling. These emotions dissipate as his first spoken words are, “Peace be with you.”

But now we are filled with anticipation of his message. Will we hear a new parable, or a familiar story with a new understanding. Will the message be directed at us as individuals, or will be meant for the church, His Body on earth.

What do we want to hear? What do we need to hear? We prayed our invocation, we called upon him, and he answered us – now what?

Could it be that Jesus will pray his own in-vocational prayer for his church to be present to the people who are poor, sick, in prison, grieving and those seeking justice.

Labor Day has come and gone, and the stewardship season is fast approaching. Our church’s in-vocational prayer is not to balance a budget. It is, however, a call for Jesus to be at our center, both as individuals and as his church. Jesus has answered our invocation, our call upon the Trinity for help. May we in our living and giving answer his call – “To do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.” -Micah 6:8