In the context of the Bible, the term "invokes" generally refers to the act of calling upon God, a deity, or a spiritual power for assistance, guidance, or intervention. This act is often associated with prayer, supplication, and worship, reflecting a deep reliance on divine power and presence.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, invoking the name of the Lord is a significant act of faith and devotion. Genesis 4:26 notes, "At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD." This early reference indicates the beginning of a formalized practice of worship and prayer among the descendants of Adam. Invoking God's name was a way to seek His presence and favor.

The Psalms frequently illustrate the practice of invoking God. Psalm 50:15 states, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me." Here, invoking God is directly linked to divine deliverance and the acknowledgment of His power and mercy.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, invoking the name of Jesus becomes central to Christian practice. Acts 2:21 declares, "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." This passage underscores the belief in the salvific power of Jesus' name, emphasizing that invoking His name is essential for salvation.

The Apostle Paul also highlights the importance of invoking Jesus' name. In Romans 10:13, he reiterates, "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." This reflects the continuity of the Old Testament tradition of calling upon God, now fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

Theological Significance

Invoking God's name is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of faith and dependence on God. It signifies a personal relationship with the divine, where believers acknowledge their need for God's intervention in their lives. The act of invocation is both a declaration of trust and an appeal for divine action.

In Christian theology, invoking the name of Jesus is particularly powerful because it is believed to carry the authority and presence of Christ Himself. John 14:13-14 records Jesus' promise: "And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." This assurance encourages believers to invoke Jesus' name with confidence, knowing that their prayers align with God's will and purpose.

Practical Application

For believers, invoking God's name is a daily practice that encompasses prayer, worship, and the seeking of divine guidance. It is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and an invitation for His will to be done in their lives. Whether in times of trouble or thanksgiving, invoking the Lord is a central aspect of a vibrant faith life.

In summary, the act of invoking in the biblical sense is a profound expression of faith, trust, and reliance on God. It is a practice deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the continuity of God's relationship with His people through the ages.

But Origen Also, You Will Tell Us, in Composing his Work Called ...
... No man begins by cutting the trunk of a tree when he is intending to lean against
it; and no man first impugns the faith of another and then invokes his faith ...
/.../36 but origen also you.htm

David's Anger
... in order to prove them inspired, I ignored an element in them which is plainly
uninspired, wrong, and offensive; namely, the curses which he invokes upon his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iii davids anger.htm

2 Thessalonians i. 1, 2
... On this account he always thus prefaces his Epistle, and invokes this upon them,
knowing that if this be granted, there will be nothing afterwards grievous ...
/.../homily ii 2 thessalonians i.htm

Whether the Church Should Excommunicate Anyone?
... to Objection 1: A curse may be pronounced in two ways: first, so that the intention
of the one who curses is fixed on the evil which he invokes or pronounces ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the church should excommunicate.htm

The Johannine Writings
... the firstborn of the dead, the prince of the kings of the earth; but he cannot
contemplate Him, nor think of the grace and peace which he invokes on the ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 5 the johannine writings.htm

Introduction.
... Dr. Wallis Budge, the English Orientalist, notes the discovery of a priestly hymn
two thousand years older than the time of Moses, which invokes One Supreme ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/introduction.htm

Chapter v.
... And at the same time, in such a way that he who prays wishes Him whom he invokes
to dwell in himself also; and when he strives after this, practises ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter v 2.htm

The Encamping Angel
... In like manner it is the Angel of the Lord that speaks to Jacob, and says, 'I am
the God of Bethel.' The dying patriarch invokes in the same breath 'the God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the encamping angel.htm

Why Eve was Formed of Adam's Rib.
... who also is called Satan, who then spoke to her through the serpent, and who works
even to this day in those men that are possessed by him, invokes as Eve. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxviii why eve was formed.htm

Pilate
... Among the "unknown sufferings" by which the Eastern Church invokes her
Lord, surely not the least was His outraged moral sense. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 1-20 pilate.htm

Invokes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Invokes (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 29:19 and
it happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he ...
/i/invokes.htm - 6k

Oath (286 Occurrences)
... invoked upon the oath-breaker Septuagint ara)): In Matthew 26:70-74 Peter first
denies his Lord simply, then with an oath (shebhu`ah), then invokes a curse ...
/o/oath.htm - 47k

Invoked (6 Occurrences)

/i/invoked.htm - 8k

Invoking (1 Occurrence)

/i/invoking.htm - 6k

Bless (174 Occurrences)
... (3.) A man blesses himself when he invokes God's blessing (Isaiah 65:16), or rejoices
in God's goodness to him (Deuteronomy 29:19; Psalm 49:18). ...
/b/bless.htm - 46k

Persian (4 Occurrences)
... Inscr., IV, 60-63), and both he and Xerxes speak of Auramazda as "the greatest of
the gods." So, even in the first Gatha, Zoroaster himself invokes Asha, Vohu ...
/p/persian.htm - 45k

Babylonia (17 Occurrences)
... But we must not lay much emphasis upon the smallness of this number, for in his
building inscriptions at the end he invokes twenty-five deities, and even ...
/b/babylonia.htm - 75k

Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... But we must not lay much emphasis upon the smallness of this number, for in his
building inscriptions at the end he invokes twenty-five deities, and even ...
/a/assyria.htm - 101k

Ancient (64 Occurrences)
... Inscr., IV, 60-63), and both he and Xerxes speak of Auramazda as "the greatest of
the gods." So, even in the first Gatha, Zoroaster himself invokes Asha, Vohu ...
/a/ancient.htm - 98k

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