In the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter, Ember Friday is a day of obligatory abstinence from meat. The one exception is Ember Friday after Pentecost, as the Octave of Pentecost gives a celebratory character to that day.  The faithful are nevertheless welcome to follow the traditional pattern of fasting and abstinence, that is, a fast and partial abstinence on Wednesdays and Saturdays (two small meatless meals, and one full meal that can include meat). Fasting on the Ember Days is an ancient spiritual discipline that is optional to all.

The faithful are asked to pray in a special way during the Ember Days for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, as well as for seasonable weather and an abundant harvest. The Saint Gregory Prayer Book offers a number of prayers for these intentions.

Prayer for Embertide
O ALMIGHTY God, look mercifully upon the world, redeemed by the blood of thy dear Son, and incline the hearts of all whom thou dost call to offer themselves for the sacred ministry of thy Church; that there may never be wanting a supply of fit persons to preach thy Word, and dispense thy holy Sacraments; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spring [Lenten] Embers

With these spring Ember days, we give thanks for the renewal of the earth as winter fades, and for the gift of light as the days grow longer. These are days of preparation for the soil and the soul. Set as they are at the beginning of the Lenten season, they are also a time to pray for our own spiritual renewal as we embrace our penitential observances and, together with our Lord, set our faces like flint toward Jerusalem.

Ember Wednesday in Lent

WE beseech thee, O Lord, that thou wouldest graciously hear our prayers: and stretch forth the right hand of thy majesty to be our defence against all adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Ember Friday in Lent

WE beseech thee, O Lord, mercifully to have compassion on thy people: that they, who by thee are enabled to serve thee in all godliness, may ever be comforted by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Ember Saturday in Lent

WE beseech thee, O Lord: graciously to hear the prayers of thy people, and of thy great goodness turn aside from them the scourges of thine anger; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.