Since the mid-5th century, the Church has marked the changing of the earthly seasons by remembering four sets of Ember Days: three days in each fall, winter, spring, and summer set aside to fast and pray for the leadership of the Church.
It is easy to understand the work of Church leaders in agrarian terms – they weed, sow, water, wait, and reap. They are a type of gardener, called to tend to and cultivate God’s people through seasons of planting, growing, harvesting, and resting. How appropriate that we especially pray for them at the turn of each earthly season.
The Fall Ember days are the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following Holy Cross Day (September 14) which makes them September 18, 20, and 21 this year.
Pray
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, in your divine providence you have appointed various orders in your Church: Give your grace, we humbly pray, to all who are called to any office and ministry for your people; and so fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your great Name and for the benefit of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Sing
Be intentional…
Consider fasting on the Ember Days this week – perhaps foregoing electronic and/or social media, or even food from dawn to dusk – that your hunger may serve as a reminder to pray for the leaders of the Church. These days are also a great opportunity for writing a note of thanks to those you are praying for or perhaps baking them some cookies!
The other Ember Days are observed…
in winter, the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following St. Lucy’s Day (December 13) (December 18, 20, & 21 in 2024)
in Spring, the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following the first Sunday in Lent (March 12, 14, & 15 in 2025)
in Summer, the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after the Day of Pentecost (June 11, 13, & 14 in 2025)
