Editing Invocation (section)

==In the major religions==
In formal religious rituals, invocation often takes the form of structured prayers or liturgies. In [[Christianity]], invocations are integral to many sacraments and liturgical ceremonies. The [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]] begins with invocations calling upon the [[Holy Trinity]], and specific prayers invoke the presence of [[Christ]] or the [[Holy Spirit]] to consecrate the bread and wine during the [[Eucharist]].{{sfnp|Taft|1986}} Additionally, the [[Litany of the Saints]] invokes a list of saints to intercede on behalf of the congregation. In [[Eastern Orthodox]] traditions, invocations play a similar role, with prayers directed to the ''[[Theotokos]]'' (Mother of God) and various saints during services and sacraments. In [[charismatic Christian]] traditions, invocation may manifest as spontaneous prayers or [[speaking in tongues]], believed to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.

In [[Hinduism]], invocation is central to [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]] (ritual worship), where deities are called upon through [[mantra]]s, offerings, and ritual gestures. The process of ''[[avahana]]'' (inviting the deity) is a key step in many Hindu rituals, symbolizing the arrival of the divine presence into a ''[[murti]]'' (sacred image) or ritual space. Mantras like the [[Gayatri Mantra]] or invocations to deities such as [[Ganesha]] are recited to seek blessings, wisdom, and protection.{{sfnp|Flood|2011}}

In [[Islam]], invocation ({{transliteration|ar|DIN|[[dua|duʿāʾ]]}}) is an essential aspect of personal and communal worship. While formal prayers (''[[salat]]'') follow prescribed structures, ''du'a'' allows for spontaneous, personal invocations of [[Allah]] for guidance, forgiveness, and assistance. The [[99 Names of Allah]] are often invoked in these prayers to reflect different aspects of divine mercy and power. Additionally, invocations are made before daily activities, such as beginning meals or embarking on journeys, highlighting the integration of invocation into everyday life.{{sfnp|Nasr|1981}}

In [[Buddhism]], invocation is commonly practiced through the chanting of mantras, prayers, and devotional recitations directed toward [[Buddhas]], [[Bodhisattva]]s, or [[Dharmapala|protective deities]]. Rather than appealing to a creator god, these invocations seek guidance, blessings, and the cultivation of virtues such as [[compassion]] and [[wisdom]]. In [[Pure Land Buddhism]], practitioners invoke [[Amitabha Buddha]] through the recitation of the ''[[nianfo]]'', aspiring for rebirth in the [[Pure Land]]. In [[Vajrayana]] traditions, invocation involves complex rituals and [[deity yoga]], where practitioners visualize themselves as enlightened beings like [[Tara (Buddhism)|Tara]] or [[Avalokiteshvara]] to embody their qualities and accelerate spiritual progress.{{sfnp|Snellgrove|1987}}