Benediction vs. Invocation: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 28, 2024
Benediction is a blessing or prayer for divine help, protection, or guidance, often given at the end of a service. Invocation is a prayer or plea for assistance, guidance, or presence of a deity, usually at the beginning of a ceremony.
Key Differences
Benediction refers to a blessing, often given at the conclusion of a religious service, where the leader imparts divine favor upon the congregation. This act serves as a spiritual send-off, asking for God's protection and guidance for those present. Invocation, on the other hand, is typically a prayer or request made at the beginning of a service or event. It seeks to invite the presence and assistance of a deity, setting a spiritual tone and asking for divine guidance throughout the proceedings.
While benedictions are commonly used to provide a sense of closure and blessing at the end of gatherings, invocations are designed to initiate events, creating a sacred atmosphere from the outset. This difference in timing highlights their distinct roles within religious and ceremonial contexts.
Benedictions often include elements of gratitude and hope for the future, as the leader calls upon divine blessings for the departing congregation. Conversely, invocations focus more on petitioning and welcoming divine presence at the start, emphasizing the need for guidance and support during the event.
Both benediction and invocation involve prayer and divine appeal, but they serve opposite functions in the structure of religious services. Benedictions conclude with a hopeful message, while invocations commence with a call for divine participation.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To give a blessing at the end
To request divine presence at the start
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Timing
End of service or event
Beginning of service or event
Content
Blessings, protection, guidance
Petition, plea for guidance or assistance
Structure
Concluding prayer
Opening prayer
Emotional Tone
Gratitude, hope
Petition, request
Benediction and Invocation Definitions
Benediction
A blessing at the end of a religious service.
The priest gave a benediction to conclude the ceremony.
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Invocation
A prayer at the beginning of a service asking for divine presence.
The minister began the ceremony with an invocation.
Benediction
A prayer asking for divine aid or protection.
The pastor's benediction invoked God's protection over the congregation.
Invocation
A plea for the presence of a deity.
The invocation asked for God's presence during the assembly.
Benediction
A blessing.
Invocation
A ceremonial opening prayer.
The invocation set a reverent tone for the event.
Benediction
An invocation of divine blessing, usually at the end of a church service.
Invocation
An appeal to a higher power for assistance.
The invocation called upon divine wisdom to guide the proceedings.
Benediction
Often Benediction Roman Catholic Church A short service consisting of prayers, the singing of a Eucharistic hymn, and the blessing of the congregation with the host.
Invocation
A formal request for help or inspiration.
The meeting started with an invocation to seek blessings for the project.
Benediction
An expression of good wishes.
Invocation
A prayer or other formula used in invoking, as at the opening of a religious service.
Benediction
A short invocation for help, blessing and guidance from God, said on behalf of another person or persons (sometimes at the end of a church worship service).
To pronounce / give / say the benediction; the nuptial benediction; a parting benediction
Invocation
The act or an instance of invoking, especially an appeal to a higher power for assistance.
Benediction
In the Anglican church, the ceremony used to institute an abbot, analogous to the consecration of a bishop.
Invocation
The act of conjuring up a spirit by incantation.
Benediction
A Roman Catholic rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water and formally dedicated to God.
Invocation
An incantation used in conjuring.
Benediction
Help, good fortune or reward from God or another supernatural source.
Invocation
The act or form of calling for the assistance or presence of some superior being, especially prayer offered to a divine being.
Benediction
The act of blessing.
Invocation
A call or summons, especially a judicial call, demand, or order.
The invocation of papers or evidence into court
Benediction
A blessing; an expression of blessing, prayer, or kind wishes in favor of any person or thing; a solemn or affectionate invocation of happiness.
So saying, he arose; whom Adam thusFollowed with benediction.
Homeward serenely she walked with God's benediction upon her.
Invocation
(law) An act of invoking or claiming a legal right.
Benediction
The form of instituting an abbot, answering to the consecration of a bishop.
Invocation
(programming) The act of invoking, such as a function call.
Benediction
A solemn rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water, and formally dedicated to God.
Invocation
The act or form of calling for the assistance or presence of some superior being; earnest and solemn entreaty; esp., prayer offered to a divine being.
Sweet invocation of a child; most pretty and pathetical!
The whole poem is a prayer to Fortune, and the invocation is divided between the two deities.
Benediction
The act of praying for divine protection
Invocation
A call or summons; especially, a judicial call, demand, or order; as, the invocation of papers or evidence into court.
Benediction
A ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection
Invocation
A prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service
Benediction
A formal blessing or expression of good fortune.
The wedding concluded with a benediction from the officiant.
Invocation
An incantation used in conjuring or summoning a devil
Benediction
A short invocation for divine help.
The evening service ended with a benediction for peace.
Invocation
Calling up a spirit or devil
Invocation
The act of appealing for help
FAQs
What is a benediction?
A benediction is a prayer asking for divine blessing, usually given at the end of a religious service.
When is a benediction typically used?
Benedictions are typically used at the conclusion of religious services or ceremonies.
What is the main difference between benediction and invocation?
The main difference is timing and purpose: benediction is given at the end for blessing, while invocation is at the beginning for divine presence.
Is an invocation always directed to a deity?
Typically, yes, but it can also be a request for general inspiration or support.
What is an invocation?
An invocation is a prayer or plea for divine assistance, often used at the beginning of a service or event.
Can an invocation be used in non-religious contexts?
Yes, invocation can be used to request inspiration or support in secular events as well.
Can a benediction be used in non-religious contexts?
Yes, a benediction can also refer to expressions of good wishes or blessings in secular contexts.
Is a benediction always a prayer?
While commonly a prayer, a benediction can also be a formal blessing or expression of goodwill.
Do benedictions have a specific structure?
They often include elements of gratitude and hope for the future.
Are benedictions and invocations part of all religious traditions?
They are common in many but not all religious traditions.
When is an invocation typically used?
Invocations are commonly used at the start of services, meetings, or events to seek divine guidance.
Is a benediction always spoken aloud?
Usually, but it can also be written or silently offered.
Can a benediction be part of a secular ceremony?
Yes, it can be used to express good wishes at the end of secular events.
Is an invocation always spoken aloud?
Generally, but it can also be silently offered or written.
Can laypeople perform invocations?
Yes, invocations can often be given by laypeople or clergy.
Can a single service include both an invocation and a benediction?
Yes, many services start with an invocation and end with a benediction.
Can laypeople perform benedictions?
In some traditions, yes, but typically it is performed by clergy.
Do benedictions and invocations serve different emotional purposes?
Yes, benedictions often convey gratitude and hope, while invocations convey petition and anticipation.
Do invocations have a specific structure?
They generally involve a plea or request for divine presence and guidance.
Can an invocation be part of a secular ceremony?
Yes, it can open secular events with a call for support or inspiration.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
