invocation
/ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃən/
noun
- The act of calling upon a god, spirit, or higher power for help, guidance, or blessing, often in a formal prayer or ceremony.
- Ancient poets often began their works with an invocation to the Muse.
- The pastor offered an invocation at the start of the town meeting.
- The ceremony began with an invocation to the gods.
- A formal request or appeal for something, such as help, support, or a rule.
- The lawyer's invocation of an old precedent surprised the court.
- His invocation of the emergency clause allowed the project to proceed.
- The speech included an invocation of the nation's founding principles.