in·vo·ca·tion 
/ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃən/ noun
plural in·vo·ca·tions /ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃən/ noun 1 formal : the act of mentioning or referring to someone or something in support of your ideas : the act of invoking something — + of [count] ▪ his repeated invocations of the ancient philosophers [noncount] ▪ justifying his position by invocation of the past 2 literary : the act of asking for help or support especially from a god [count] ▪ The poem begins with an invocation of/to the Muses. [noncount] ▪ by invocation of God 3 [count] US : a prayer for blessing or guidance at the beginning of a service, ceremony, etc.
▪ They began the meeting with an invocation.
▪ They began the meeting with an invocation.
