What are Ember Days?
Ember Days hold a unique place in the liturgical calendar, serving as times of prayer, fasting, and reflection, particularly focused on the ministry of the church. These days, rooted in ancient Christian practice, offer a rhythm of spiritual discipline that connects Anglicans to the broader history of the church while emphasizing the importance of ordained ministry and personal vocation.
Origins of Ember Days
Ember Days trace their roots to the early church, likely emerging in Rome by the third century. The term “Ember” may derive from the Latin quatuor tempora (“four times”), referring to their quarterly occurrence, or from the Old English ymbren, meaning a circuit or season. Originally tied to the agricultural calendar, these days were set aside for fasting and prayer to seek God’s blessing on the harvest and to prepare for ordination. Over time, their focus shifted toward the church’s ministry, particularly the selection and ordination of clergy.
In Anglicanism, Ember Days are observed as days of special devotion. The ACNA 2019 BCP includes Ember Days in its calendar, noting them as “traditional days of prayer and fasting” associated with “the sacred ministry” (p. 688).
When Are Ember Days Observed?
Ember Days occur four times a year, typically aligned with the seasons: after the First Sunday in Lent (spring), after the Day of Pentecost (summer), after the Feast of the Holy Cross (September 14, fall), and after the Third Sunday of Advent (winter). Each Ember season consists of three days—Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—following the traditional Western fasting pattern. The ACNA 2019 BCP specifies these days in its calendar (p. 689), ensuring they remain a vital part of Anglican liturgical life.
This quarterly rhythm invites the faithful to pause and reflect on their spiritual lives and the church’s leadership. As the BCP notes, Ember Days are “occasions for fasting and prayer for those who called to Holy Orders” (p. 689), but they also extend to the laity, encouraging all to pray for the church’s mission and their own vocations.
The Purpose of Ember Days
The primary purpose of Ember Days is to intercede for the church’s ministry, especially for those called to ordained roles. The ACNA 2019 BCP provides specific collects for Ember Days, emphasizing this focus. For example, the Collect for Ember Days for the Ministry of the Church prays:
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 [now] 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 and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (p. 634)
This prayer reflects the understanding of ministry as a divine calling, rooted in God’s providence and sustained by his grace.
Beyond ordination, Ember Days encourage personal reflection on vocation. The emphasis on “all who are called to any office and ministry” broadens the scope to include lay ministries, reminding us that all are called to serve God in various capacities. This aligns with 1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV): “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
Observance in Anglican Practice
Anglicans observe Ember Days through fasting, prayer, and participation in the Eucharist when possible. The ACNA 2019 BCP recommends fasting as a spiritual discipline, aligning with the biblical call to humility and dependence on God. For example, Joel 2:12–13 (ESV) urges, “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Fasting on Ember Days fosters a posture of repentance and attentiveness to God’s will.
The BCP also provides specific lectionaries for Ember Days, including readings that emphasize God’s call and the responsibilities of ministry. These scriptures guide the faithful in praying for clergy and discerning their own callings.
In practice, Ember Days may involve special services, such as a said Eucharist or Morning Prayer, where the community gathers to pray for ordinands and the church. This practice fosters a communal spirit, as the church collectively supports those entering ordained ministry.
Ember Days and the Broader Church
While Ember Days are particularly associated with Western Christianity, their themes resonate across Christian traditions. The focus on prayer for ministry echoes Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 9:37–38 (ESV): “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” This call to pray for workers in God’s kingdom is universal, making Ember Days a bridge between Anglicanism and the wider church.
In the Anglican context, Ember Days also reflect the tradition’s balance of catholic and reformed elements. The catholic emphasis on liturgical seasons and fasting blends with the reformed focus on scripture and the priesthood of all believers. By observing Ember Days, Anglicans participate in a practice that predates the Reformation while affirming the biblical call to equip the saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12, ESV).
Modern Relevance
In today’s fast-paced world, Ember Days offer a countercultural invitation to slow down, pray, and seek God’s guidance. They remind Anglicans that ministry—whether ordained or lay—is not about personal ambition but about responding to God’s call. It encourages all members of the church to use these days for discernment, asking, “How is God calling me to serve?”
Moreover, Ember Days challenge the church to pray for its leaders during a time when ministry faces unique pressures. From cultural shifts to internal challenges, clergy need the support of a praying community. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV), “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” Ember Days ensure that the church remains committed to raising up faithful leaders.
Conclusion
Ember Days are a gift to the Anglican Church, offering a structured yet flexible way to pray, fast, and reflect on God’s call to ministry. Grounded in scripture, these days connect modern Anglicans to the ancient rhythms of the church while fostering a communal commitment to God’s mission. Whether praying for ordinands, discerning personal vocation, or seeking God’s blessing on the church, Ember Days invite all to participate in the work of the kingdom. As Psalm 90:17 (ESV) prays, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” May Ember Days continue to shape a church that faithfully serves God’s purposes.