Jim's parents gave their benediction to him by wishing him, from their hearts, that all would go well on his trip as a professional photographer in the center of a war zone.
2. Blessing carried into practical effect; kindly favor, grace: The local spiritual leader gave a benediction for the farmers in praise of their good crops.The pastor, Mr. Anderson, gave his benediction to the couple at the end of the wedding ceremony, wishing them contentment and prosperity in their future life together.
3. A prayer of sacred blessing, normally just before a church service ends: The minister, Mr. Drexler, concluded the church meeting with a prayer of benediction.4. An expression of good things desired, something that assures well-being and goodness: At the conclusion of the meeting of the committee members, the chairperson spoke a brief benediction, wishing everyone a safe summer holiday.
2. An expression of good wishes; something that encourages goodness or well-being: At the conclusion of the meeting of the members of the committee, the chairperson spoke a brief benediction, wishing everyone a safe summer holiday.
The pastor of the church was aware of the malediction which had been uttered against one of the parishioners.
In order to assure the congregation, the minister said a benediction each day at the end of the service and spoke a personal benediction to each person leaving the church.
2. A process for asking for support, help, or intercession: The priest started the church service with an invocation.
Generally, an invocation comes at the beginning and a benediction comes at the end of a ceremony or religious service, etc.
The word invocation has Latin ancestors in invocare, meaning "to invoke"; for example, to call on (a higher power) for assistance, support, or inspiration".
A benediction expresses "good wishes" or "a blessing". It has ancestors in the Latin phrase bene dicere, meaning "to speak well" or "to praise".
In order to appease the many relatives, one uncle was asked to speak an invocation at the beginning of the ceremony and the other uncle was invited to give the benediction at the close of the ceremony.